About Lincoln Police Department

Named after the famous US president, Lincoln is the capital city of the U.S. state of Nebraska, with a population of 290,000, making it the second largest city in the state, behind Omaha.

Lincoln is very much influenced by its location on the Great Plain. The original town was situated on salt marsh flats by pioneers expanding into the territory of the Great Sioux Nation, and the city’s geography and variable climate is governed by its location far away from mountains and large bodies of water.

Today, this midwestern city is a big draw for young professionals due to its low costs and leafy, livable atmosphere, with more parkland per capita than anywhere else in the United States.

Lincoln’s economy is fairly typical for a medium sized American city, with most economic activity coming from the service and manufacturing sectors, with a focus on medical, education and high technology operations. The University of Nebraska also dominates Lincoln’s economy, providing jobs for nearly a third of the city’s inhabitants.

In terms of law enforcement, Lincoln’s Police department dates back to 1871, when just three constables and night watchmen were enlisted as the very first official police officers. Today, the force comprises around 500 total employees. Out of these, 353 are sworn officers and 150 are civilian support staff.

To join the Lincoln Police Department, applicants will need to take an exam, comprised of both a written and physical test, as well as taking part in a structured oral assessment and a polygraph analysis.

Once accepted, police trainees are enrolled into the Lincoln Police Department Academy, which lasts around 21 weeks, and involves intensive physical and academic preparation for police duty, with recruits studying criminal justice, human behavior, law and crime scene investigation techniques.

Application forms for the Lincoln Police Department test can be found online.