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Groups Call For Investigation Into Omaha Police

Letter Sent To Department Of Justice

Groups Call For Investigation Into Omaha Police



 Three agencies are calling for a federal investigation of the Omaha Police Department.

The American Civil Liberties Union, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Nebraskans For Peace cite a pattern of police misconduct in the metro.

On Tuesday, the Omaha Alliance for Justice outlined its complaint in a letter to the United States Justice Department.

Federal officials have performed similar investigations in cities across the country, including Seattle, Wash.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Penn.; and Los Angeles.

The Omaha Alliance for Justice said the 10-page letter cites more than enough evidence to prompt action in Omaha.

"This definitely has been a long time coming," Willie Hamilton said.

The groups said the letter proves something in the Omaha Police Department needs to change.

"Just a glance will show that what was presented is credible and true," said former state Sen. Ernie Chambers.

Robert Wagner, at the center of a controversial arrest in 2011, is among those hoping to draw federal attention.

"They were on my back. I told them I couldn't breathe. I got kicked in the face for telling them that. So yeah, I want something to come out of this," Wagner said.

But the groups cite more than one incident of police brutality and excessive force.

"There's been a history. That's why the word 'pattern' has been used. This just didn't happen with Robert Wagner. It just so happened they had it on DVD," Hamilton said.

The letter cites eight examples of alleged misconduct over the past two years, including a December 2011 chase where officers fired at a car with three teenage girls inside.

Former criminal justice professor Dr. Sam Walker calls the incidents a sign of an even larger problem.

"The officers don't appear to understand and follow their own rules. And that endangers people's lives," Walker said.

The Omaha Police Department issued the following statement Tuesday:

"We strive to be a transparent agency and if a citizen group feels the need for the Department of Justice to review these events, we welcome the review. Some of the noted cases have previously been reviewed or are in the process of being reviewed by the Department of Justice through the local FBI Office."

It could be weeks before the Omaha Alliance for Justice hears back from the Department of Justice.