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After public outcry, commissioners lay over vote on sheriff’s Office of Violence Prevention grant to July 8
Summary
Commissioners deferred action on a Nebraska Crime Commission/Office of Violence Prevention grant request for a gang‑investigator position in the sheriff’s Special Operations Group after extensive public comment and commissioner questions about coordination with Omaha Police Department.
Douglas County commissioners agreed to postpone consideration of a Nebraska Crime Commission/Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) grant request that would fund a gang‑investigator position in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Special Operations Group, after extended discussion and public comment.
Captain Eric Sellers and Captain Eric (presentation name in transcript: Captain Sellers) described the request as focused on gang intelligence and violence suppression in unincorporated parts of the county (the Irvington corridor was singled out). Captain Sellers said the sheriff’s office would not duplicate Omaha Police Department’s gang unit but would investigate criminal gang activity in unincorporated Douglas County, work with partner agencies and track cases for better courtroom preparation.
Commissioner Nate Rogers (first reference: Commissioner Nate Rogers) moved to lay the item over until after a scheduled meeting between the sheriff and the Omaha police chief; Commissioner Patrick Fahey seconded. Commissioners and public commenters debated coordination between the sheriff’s office and Omaha Police Department. Several speakers from North Omaha community organizations objected to the grant and to expanding the sheriff’s Special Operations Group; they urged investment in community‑based violence prevention, mental‑health response and services.
Tamika Meese, executive director of North Omaha Community Partnership, told the board her organization "strongly oppose[d] the acceptance" of the grant and said the Special Operations Group is "not welcomed by our community," citing fears of increased policing in Black and Brown neighborhoods and a lack of transparency from the sheriff’s office. Other public speakers echoed concerns about transparency, racial disparities in enforcement, and whether the county should expand a tactical investigative unit rather than invest in community‑based prevention.
Commissioner Rogers said he supported intervening sooner and argued the sheriff’s request was a public‑safety measure; other commissioners said they wanted a meeting between the sheriff and the police chief to clarify coordination and responsibilities. Senators and state policymakers who joined by Zoom — including Senator Ashley Spivey — urged caution and asked the county to prioritize evidence‑based, community‑centered interventions to reduce gun violence.
The board modified the layover by setting a return date of July 8 so the sheriff and Omaha police chief could meet; by unanimous vote the board agreed to defer the matter until that date. A spokesman for the sheriff’s office told the board the grant would be rescinded if not accepted before the month’s deadline, raising timing pressure.
Why it matters: The item sparked a public debate about policing, race, and county‑level use of state grant dollars to fund tactical or intelligence positions. Community leaders argued the investment could worsen distrust and urged the board to prioritize community‑led prevention approaches; the sheriff’s office and some commissioners argued the position is necessary to address rising gang violence in unincorporated areas.
Meeting context and next steps: Commissioners set a new review date of July 8 to reconsider the OVP grant after the sheriff and Omaha police chief meet and after commissioners have more information on coordination and data. The board instructed staff to add the item to the July 8 agenda.
