- Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer wrote a letter to Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, urging a “shift in priorities” and emphasizing OPD’s role as Omaha’s primary law enforcement agency.
- Schmaderer criticized Hanson’s handling of the officer-involved shooting and the death of Janidi Ibrahim.
- The letter emphasizes that OPD must be recognized as the primary law enforcement agency in Omaha, and asks DCSO to support rather than lead policing efforts within the city.
Following concerns about community confusion and the hiring of an officer, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer has urged Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson to respect the OPD’s primary role in the city and improve communication.
Chief Schmaderer wrote to Hanson in three parts, which he sent to KMTV on Monday afternoon.
The first section discusses Sheriff Hanon’s handling of an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of Janidi Ibrahim, writing:
“Now, however, given the initial handling of the recent DCSO deputy-involved shooting, community relations are tense and have deteriorated. Right or wrong, the community has taken a strong stance against you personally.
In addition, the DCSO has hired a former OPD officer who was fired for violating policy during a deadly shooting.
“It is perceived by many as a blatant disregard for the concerns of the citizens,” Schmaderer wrote in his piece.
The second part urged Hanson to notify OPD when the DCSO Special Operations Group is in Omaha and to refrain from public commentary on city policing issues to avoid confusion.
“Since you have been in office, you have made numerous statements and commentary in traditional and social media concerning homeless encampments within the city, speed enforcement within the city, contracting to provide DCSO services within the city, and about crimes that have occurred in Omaha,” the letter read. “While we appreciate a partnership, the media attention has been overkill, unproductive, and has led to confusion in the public as to who is responsible for these matters.”
The third point emphasized the Omaha Police Department as the primary law enforcement agency. “But make no mistake,” Schmaderer said. “OPD is the primary law enforcement agency for the City of Omaha.”
Sheriff Hanson told KMTV in April 2024 that his deputies are responsible for the entire Douglas County.
“If they have time between their normal duties, their job is to be responsive to quality-of-life concerns or needs anywhere in the county,” according to Hanson.
While Schmaderer acknowledged the deputies’ jurisdiction, he insisted that OPD’s primary role be respected, stating that any DCSO intrusion into urban policing responsibilities can cause confusion.
“The DCSO needs to return to the role of a partner that assists OPD rather than taking the lead when it is unbeknownst to us,” says Schmaderer.
Schmaderer concluded the letter by expressing sadness about the need to write it, but emphasized that the ongoing issues require this intervention to protect years of established community trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the public.
Read Schmaderer’s full letter to Sheriff Hanson:
