Nebraska Crime Commission Shows Support During National Police Week | News

“Nebraska supports the blue.”

The Nebraska Crime Commission will spread that message to law enforcement officers across the country with a campaign for National Police Week gatherings in Washington, D.C., beginning Sunday.

“From the exceptional public support of our police departments across Nebraska to the generous recruiting incentives, we are working to spread the word nationally that Nebraska is a great place to be a law enforcement officer,” said Bryan Tuma, director of the Nebraska Crime Commission, in a press release. “Police Week brings officers from across the country to Washington, DC, so we’ll show why current officers should consider continuing their careers in Nebraska.”

The effort is not limited to any specific law enforcement agency in Nebraska, but is intended to spread the message that all agencies in Nebraska have much to offer potential candidates. Incentives available to Nebraska law enforcement officers include:

— 100% tuition waiver for sworn officers and their dependents. This exemption applies to all public universities, colleges and community colleges.

— Cash Incentives: New employees are eligible for a bonus of up to $7,500 upon Nebraska certification. Nebraska also offers retention bonuses for the first, third and fifth years of employment.

“In addition to these benefits, Nebraskans are providing unprecedented support for law enforcement,” the release said. “At a time when many states are experiencing a decline in public support for police officers, Nebraska remains committed to public safety by working to recruit new officers to serve in communities across the state.”

Gov. Jim Pillen said those who choose a career in law enforcement are following a calling that comes from deep within themselves.

“It’s almost undeniable. They know they are destined to do something noble and important in public service,” Pillen said. “The opportunities to make a difference – in communities large and small – are everywhere here in Nebraska.”

During National Police Week, the Nebraska Crime Commission will highlight Nebraska’s support for police officers with a moving digital billboard. The billboard will focus on the area around the National Police Week Tent City, a festival and exhibition venue that hosts thousands of officers and their families.

“While respect for law enforcement has deteriorated in major urban centers, Nebraska continues our tradition of supporting the men and women who wear the uniform and protect our communities every day,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Flood of Norfolk . “The Nebraska Crime Commission is doing a great job helping Nebraska send the message to the entire country that we support the blue and want more peace officers here in the Good Life.”

Earlier this year, a coalition of law enforcement and public officials launched Nebraska Backs the Blue.