The Omaha Police Department is detailing the findings of the department's self-assessment on its response to protests earlier this year.
During a news conference Wednesday morning, Police Chief Todd Schmaderer reviewed the events that took place between May 29th and June 7th. Schmaderer says the department assessed hundreds of hours of body camera video, aerial video, radio communications, officer’s reports, mobile command center records, 911 data, and information gathered from those who participated.
The Civil Unrest Response Report, released Wednesday, is designed to improve police response, insure constitutional rights, and create a safe environment for officers and citizens, according to Omaha Mayor Stothert. “My goal is to make a good police department even better, we will do that by being transparent and accountable,” said Stothert.
Chief Schmaderer says although he believes the police department handled things well, there is room for improvement.
According to the report, 3 of the 123 use of force incidents violated OPD policy and one officer was terminated for a gross violation of use of force protocols.
Schmaderer believes training, equipment, communication, and policies should see some improvement. “We want to make sure OPD has strong training when it comes to managing a protest or large crowd while upholding the first amendment,” said Chief Schmaderer.
The Chief also referred to the use of chemical munitions. He said, police gave verbal commands before deploying, but wants to make sure police give more than one warning. With large crowds, it was difficult to communicate with the back of the groups. Schmaderer apologized to peaceful protesters who couldn’t hear commands and says the police department has since purchased a new PA system.
Other issues addressed include a need for greater mobility from 72nd and Dodge to the Old Market and a stockpile of less-lethal weapons. According to Schmaderer, protesters were more fluid than the police in changing locations and their less-lethal weapon supply was low.
There were 60 other protests that were successful, according to Schmaderer. “Omaha is a very unique place. We can turn on the Nightly News and you can see a comparison with the relationship between police and the community. Because we are a professional police department, we have to learn from this. Otherwise, we’re destined to repeat problems,” Schmaderer said.
The Omaha Police Officers' Association released a response later on Wednesday. “Law enforcement officers who are doing their job should not be attacked while trying to keep the community safe,” OPOA President Anthony Conner.
The union also called for legislative support, saying “the need to maintain high morale and safe working conditions for law enforcement officers should be priority in this state.”
You can read the full report here.
(Photo by WOWT 6 News)