Test System

Sheriff's Office

Use of Force


Date: July 8, 2020
For More Information: Terry T. Wagner, twagner@lancaster.ne.gov

July 8, 2020

The Sheriff's Office has received a number of inquiries regard our Use of Force, Use of Force reports etc. Below is a compilation of statistics for the past few years to provide information about our Use of Force.

  • Tens of thousands of citizen contacts every year, many which are in tense, dangerous, and sometimes violent situations
  • Annually:
    • 10,000 CFS
    • 4,600 traffic stops
    • 3,000 citations issued
    • 2,000 custodial arrests
    • 500 high risk (mostly felony) arrest warrants served
    • 17,000 court orders served (evictions, protection orders, etc.)
  • Average 20 uses of non-deadly force per year
  • 4 complaints of Excessive UoF in the last five years
    • All non-deadly UoF
    • 3 exonerated and 1 unfounded
  • Deadly force
    • We encounter many situations every year where deadly force would be justified, but deputies are able to de-escalate or use non-deadly force to resolve the situation.
    • Four uses of deadly force in last 30+ years
    • Two resulted in death, two did not
      • 1997- white male pointed rifle at deputies during a suicidal person call- fatal
      • 2002- white male driver in truck was ramming deputy who was seated in sheriff’s vehicle following pursuit- non-fatal
      • 2014- white male pointed rifle at deputies as they were serving a court-ordered eviction- fatal
      • 2015- black male pointed gun at deputies after running from traffic stop- non-fatal
  • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • MISSION- Providing exceptional law enforcement services that reduce crime and enhance public safety while preserving public trust.
    • VISION- Communities that are safe and secure; operations that are effective and efficient; and people who feel they are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
    • VALUES- Preservation of human life · Respect · Integrity · Service · Compassion · Professionalism · Accountability

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Contact Information

Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
575 South 10th Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-441-6500
lso@lancaster.ne.gov