LPD says discipline is not retaliation for recent complaints of misconduct

Police chief defends her decisions in a lengthy post on social media

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lincoln Police Chief Teresa Ewins is looking to make it clear that recent discipline of some employees has nothing to do with allegations made against the department.

Her lengthy Facebook post comes following multiple lawsuits, suspensions and a firing.

Ewins says she’s, “committed to transparency but also respecting privacy in personal matters.”  That’s why she stresses the department can only provide limited information about the police officer who was terminated.

The city’s risk management team found the officer provided false information in a worker’s compensation claim, according to Ewins.  That’s a violation of not only department policy but also Nebraska law.

Ewins says, “law enforcement is rightly held to high ethical standards.”  As such, she made the decision to fire the officer, saying they seriously violated those standards.

The chief then emphasizes misconduct that led to recent, high-profile lawsuits and suspensions happened prior to her arrival.  She says, “To suggest that any disciplinary action I have taken against this employee or any others is in retaliation for those complaints is patently false.”

Ewins concludes the post by adding the department has been around for 152-years and she’s only been leading it for six months.  The chief asks for our community’s patience as due process unfolds, and says she’s confident it will show that everyone disciplined under her tenure was appropriate.