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Beatrice police report shows rise in narcotics enforcement, credits victim assistance for reduced domestic incident calls
Summary
Police Chief Jay Murphy presented the department's 2025 annual report, highlighting a rise in drug-related arrests and seizures (502 g methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $50,000), expanded training and community programs, and crediting the victim assistance coordinator with reductions in repeat domestic disturbance calls.
Beatrice Police Chief Jay Murphy presented the department's 2025 annual report to the city council on April 6, describing staffing changes, program expansions and enforcement statistics.
Murphy noted promotions and new hires (lead dispatcher Russell Jobman, dispatcher Amanda Calver, and officer Justice Stankowski) and said the department moved a canine shift to better cover midday and evening hours. The department secured a 100% grant to install stationary license plate readers and started Project Lifesaver to assist families of individuals who wander (including people with autism and dementia).
On enforcement, Murphy reported 252 felony offenses in 2025 with 146 arrests (approximately 57% arrest rate), an increase over prior-year counts. The narcotics task force and patrol activity produced significant seizures: "Methamphetamines 502 g for a street value of $50,000" and 61 g of cocaine (street value approx. $6,100), plus a stolen firearm and two stolen vehicles recovered during interdiction operations. The department also reported an increase in traffic stops and in total arrests driven partly by drug offenses.
Murphy and councilors highlighted victim assistance statistics: the department's victim assistance coordinator aided 1,258 people in 2025 (up from 1,128), and council members linked that support to a reduction in some domestic disturbance calls. Community policing initiatives such as National Night Out and Special Olympics support were also noted.
Murphy closed by saying the department will continue training (32 hours per officer targeted), community outreach and narcotics enforcement; councilors commended the department and urged continued support for the victim assistance role, which is grant-funded.
