The president of the Omaha Police Officers Association says the city made the right decision choosing an internal candidate as the new Police Chief.
Todd Schmaderer was sworn in Wednesday evening. During a news conference Tuesday, Schmaderer said he wants to modernize the police department and focus on long-term planning. Omaha Police Officers Association president Sergeant John Wells believes Chief Schmaderer will be a fair leader who makes thoughtful decisions.
Sam Walker, Professor Emeritus of Criminal Justice at UNO and an advocate for police accountability, believes the city of Omaha should’ve chosen one of the two external candidates.
OPD Captain Gregory Gonzalez was also a candidate for the police chief position, along with finalists from California and Wisconsin.
