Omaha Police Department

Omaha Police Department (OPD) is the official law enforcement agency for Omaha in Nebraska. At the same time, it’s the largest PD in the state.

In total, the OPD numbers 902 sworn officers who protect and serve an area of 118.9 square miles and a population of around 480,000. The annual budget of Omaha PD is currently $160 million.

Locations & Facilities

The OPD central station is located in downtown Omaha, but the entire police department has six stations, each in charge of a specific part of the city.

Central Police Headquarters

505 S 15th St.
Omaha, NE 68102
402-444-5600

The Central Police Headquarters building is located on the corner of Howard Street and South 15th Street. The building is not imposing, but it is easy to spot as it has the name written above the main entrance and a noticeable monument in front. There are numerous parking spots on all sides of the building.

Northwest Precinct

4316 N 30th St.
Omaha, NE 68111
402-444-6916

The Northwest Precinct is located at the Northwest edge of the city, close to the Ambassadors Worship Center, and right across the Omaha Christian Academy. There’s plenty of parking spaces right in front of the spacious dark-red building in which the precinct is found.

Southwest Precinct

5111 S 135th St
Omaha, NE 68137, United States
402-444-6116

You can locate the Southwest Precinct almost at the crossing between South 135 Street and Q Street. It’s a small building right across the street from a Walgreens store. There’s a reasonably large parking lot next to the precinct, so you should be able to find a spot to park your car in no time.

Northeast Precinct

4316 N 30th St
Omaha, NE 68111
402-444-7555

You can find the Northwest Precinct on the corner of North 30th Street and Taylor Street. The building is easy to spot with its stylish facade and a small tower with a roof. The parking lot is behind the building, but it’s only for police personnel. Thankfully, there are a few parking spots in front of the building and plenty of spaces at nearby McDonalds.

Southeast Precinct

2475 Deer Park Blvd
Omaha, NE 68105
402-444-4041

The Southeast Precinct is near the intersection of all the main highways that go through Omaha and near the Elliott Equipment Company. The building is similar to most other stations, and it’s surrounded by greenery. You can park your car in front of the main entrance as there are a dozen or so spots.

West Precinct

20924 Cumberland Dr
Elkhorn, NE 68022
402-444-5995

The West Precinct can be found on the western outskirts of the city, on Cumberland Drive, right next to Club Legacy Volleyball. There’s a small parking lot right in front of the building, but if you can’t find a free spot, you can park the car across the street, in front of several stores and a bakery.

History

The Omaha Police Department was founded in 1857, more than half a century ago. The police force grew together with the city, constantly adding new precincts, services, and bureaus. Unfortunately, during this long history, the police force has lost 25 officers who died in the line of duty.

The current chief of police is Todd Schmaderer, and he leads 902 police officers scattered across six different stations. He has been serving as the chief since 2012.

Social Media & Website

Website: police.cityofomaha.org
Facebook page: facebook.com/OmahaPoliceDepartment
Twitter: twitter.com/omahapolice
Instagram: instagram.com/omahapolice
Youtube: youtube.com/channel

What We Should All Know About Police Stops

It’s the middle of the afternoon. You’re driving home after a long day when you see flashing lights behind you. Your heart is racing. You wonder, “What did I do?”. Of course, what you should not do is get out of your car after you’re pulled over.

Omaha police offers are dedicated to protecting and serving our community. A simple traffic stop may be stressful, but knowing the correct procedures can help put you at ease.

“In our line of work, when we conduct traffic stops, we experience a wide range of emotions. Regardless of their demeanor, it’s always our job to remain professional and courteous at all times.” – Officer Phil Anson

Here’s the best way to handle a traffic stop:

  • Pull over to the side of the road as soon and as safely as possible.
  • Place your vehicle in park and roll down your window.
  • Turn off your vehicle.
  • Keep your hands visible to the officer at all times.
  • Don’t get out of the car unless asked to do so by the officer.
  • Avoid sudden movements to reach into storage compartments.
  • Wait for the officer to request your documents, and then tell the officer where they are before reaching for them.

Drivers are legally required to provide their driver’s license upon request of police officers. Additionally, passengers can be asked for identification and may be required to provide it if the officer has reasonable suspicion that they have committed a crime. However, signing a citation is not an admission of guilt.

If you feel a citation or arrest violates your rights, you have a few options:

  • Officers a required to give you their name and badge number.
  • You can speak to a precinct supervisor.
  • Go to trial in court.
  • File a complaint with the police department
  • Pursue civil legal action.