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Suttle Explores All Avenues in Fighting Violent Crime

January 9, 2012
In The Community, Public Safety

January 6, 2012 – Mayor Jim Suttle’s office submitted grant applications today for 16 distinct juvenile programs aimed at reducing gang activity, youth violence, and truancy in Omaha. Grant proposals were submitted to the Nebraska Crime Commission Juvenile Services Grant Program which offers funding for local governments and community based organizations to provide targeted prevention and intervention programs for youth that are currently involved or at-risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system.

The City of Omaha proposed over $1.3 million of vital youth prevention and intervention services in partnership with area non-profit organizations. If awarded, each proposed program will provide necessary funding for partner non-profit organizations to provide additional services and programs for area at-risk youth. Among the proposed programs included are; truancy prevention services that work one-on-one with students that are experiencing high absenteeism, and street-based gang outreach specialists who directly intervene with and provide employment and educational resources to gang members and families to stop violence from escalating.

These programs are in line with the Omaha Police Departments statistics showing areas of decline in youth violence correlating to the implementation of these types of programs. “Programs that keep our young people in school, at work and out of gangs are crucial to the reduction of violence in our community,” said Mayor Suttle. “We need to continue exploring every resource available to provide alternatives to violence in our community.”

Grant application results should be available this spring, and successful applications will be able to start implementing their programs in July.

Omaha Fire Department Sees Rise in Applications, Increase in Diversity

January 4, 2012
Announcements, Public Safety

January 4, 2012: The Omaha Fire Department received a record number of applications for this year’s firefighting class. 2079 candidates applied for the open positions, up from 1,433 applicants in 2008, the last time the position was posted. Applications were accepted from November 18, 2011 through December 19, 2011.

Of the 2,079 applicants, 1,854 were accepted to test for the position, up from 1281 in 2008. Testing will begin with a multiple choice examination this week.

In addition to the overall spike in applications, the City also saw a 30 percent increase in minority candidates. This year’s applicant pool features 207 African-Americans, as compared to 111 in 2008, and 117 Latino applicants, more than doubling 2008’s total of 56.

“Our recruitment team worked hard to develop a recruitment strategy that would reach people from all backgrounds,” said City Human Resources Director Dick O’Gara. “Advertisements included radio, television, billboards, bus benches, periodicals, internet and flyers, as well as meeting with local businesses, schools and universities to spread the word.”

“Our firefighters are on the front line to serve the citizens of Omaha,” said Omaha Fire Chief Mike McDonnell. “I am thrilled to have such a large candidate pool that reflects the demographics and values of our community.”

Mayor Suttle, Omaha Police and Community Organizations Call on Neighborhoods and Businesses to Fight Crime

December 13, 2011
Announcements, Public Safety

Dec. 13, 2011 –Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle joined community leaders today in calling for increased cooperation in Omaha’s fight against violence. Mayor Suttle praised efforts by Omaha Police Chief Alex Hayes, City Councilman Ben Gray, and community leaders, including Willie Barney, President of the Empowerment Network, for working together to protect our families, homes and neighborhoods.

The event focused on the need for greater community involvement with respect to crime prevention. “Community organizations such as the Empowerment Network, Impact One, churches and many of our Neighborhood Associations have been working with the Police Department on a regular basis,” said Mayor Suttle. “They need the help of each and every citizen who has information about acts of violence in order to create a safer environment for everyone.”

Mayor Suttle also called on increased participation from Omaha’s business community. “Studies have shown that employment is a major factor in deterring crime, so job creation should be our number one priority,” said Mayor Suttle. “It has not been easy in this economy, but I will continue to promote business opportunities in our city and would challenge the business community to work with me to make jobs available in neighborhoods that need them the most.”

Mayor Suttle also asked Omahans to participate in this Saturday’s “no questions asked” Gun Amnesty Day. Unwanted or illegal guns and ammunition can be dropped off at the east side foyer of Omaha’s Civic Auditorium Music Hall from 10 am – 2 pm.

City of Omaha to Host Firefighter Recruit and Readiness Course for New Applicants

December 5, 2011
Public Safety

December 5, 2011 - Today, the City of Omaha’s Human Resources Department will host the first session of its Firefighter Recruit Readiness Program at the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center.

The program, which is offered at no cost, helps Fire Department applicants prepare for the two examinations that are included in the hiring process: A written, multiple choice test and a physical ability examination measuring physical strength, stamina, ability and endurance. It consists of two five week sessions covering reading comprehension and math skills, a four week "Skills Workshop" which focuses on testing strategies, anxiety and time management, and a 13-week Fitness Training session.

The Omaha Fire Department is accepting applications for new fire recruits for the first time since 2008. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a High School graduate or possess a GED and applications will be accepted until December 19, 2011.

Interested candidates must apply online at www.cityofomaha.org.

Diversity Encouraged as Omaha Fire Department Accepts Applications for New Class of Firefighters

December 5, 2011
Announcements, Featured, Public Safety

December 5, 2011- For the first time since 2008 the Omaha Fire Department is now accepting applications for new fire recruits. The City’s Human Resources Department is reaching out to people from all areas of the community in an attempt to encourage a diverse group of applicants for the Omaha Fire Department. Applications will be accepted until December 19, 2011.

“Our firefighters are on the front line to serve the citizens of Omaha,” said Omaha Fire Chief Mike McDonnell. “We are looking for candidates who reflect the demographics and values of our community. Applicants should possess a strong value for public service, embody trust, compassion, integrity and loyalty and be a good team player.”

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a High School graduate or possess a GED. In order for a candidate to be referred to the Fire Department for consideration, they must first pass a written, multiple choice exam and a physical ability examination designed to measure physical strength, stamina, ability and endurance.

Interested candidates must apply online at www.cityofomaha.org.

Firefighters Receive Awards for Excellence in Service from Fire Chief Mike McDonnell and Mayor Jim Suttle

Firefighters Receive Awards for Excellence in Service from Fire Chief Mike McDonnell and Mayor Jim Suttle

A New Gun Ordinance and Additional Officers help Mayor Suttle and Omaha Police Combat Gun and Gang Violence

November 28, 2011
Public Safety

November 22, 2011 – The City Council approved a new gun ordinance on a 5-2 vote requiring hand gun registration, which is consistent with State and Federal laws and encourages the voluntary registration of weapons. “I am pleased with today’s decision by the City Council because anything we can do to keep illegal guns off Omaha streets will help reduce violent crime and promote public safety,” said Mayor Suttle. The Omaha Police Department was in favor of this ordinance and was present at the City Council meeting this afternoon.

The City Council also heard testimony in favor of the Community Oriented Police Services (COPS) Grant today. The 2.6 million dollar grant acquired by the Mayor’s office allows police to hire an additional 10 officers to protect Omaha residents for three years with the caveat that the City maintains the staffing levels for a year after the grant expires.

“Budget cuts put the police department in a position of having to balance resources,” said Omaha Police Chief Alex Hayes. “Our focus has been on reducing violent crime and we have seen results this year with a 6% drop in Omaha’s violent crime rate. However, for us to continue making a difference in gun and gang violence, while still getting a handle on property crimes, more officers on the street would greatly benefit the community as a whole.”

Staffing levels at the police department decreased due to attrition and budgetary constraints imposed by the City Council in the 2011 budget. Currently the Omaha Police Department has 778 sworn officers, 9 short of the 2011 budgeted strength. In 2012, the budgeted strength was increased to nearly 789 because of financial resources made available through the Suttle administration’s annexation of several subdivisions in Omaha.

“Additional officers will provide better overall coverage of the city,” said Mayor Suttle. “Our police department will be better equipped to focus on areas of our community that have been most affected by gun and gang crimes. This will also further our opportunities for community outreach which is imperative to further reducing crime.”

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