Lincoln City Government Transparency: What Happened to Our Police Chief? The People Want to Know

It was clearly stated in the employment agreement that the Chief would not be entitled to severance upon his resignation. However, in the Settlement Agreement the City of Lincoln granted the Chief all the severance benefits listed in the employment agreement.

The City of Lincoln was not transparent in dealing with the Chief’s resignation. Conclusion There are strong opinions on both sides surrounding the City of Lincoln’s decision not to release documents pertaining to the resignation of the Lincoln Police Chief. Lincoln News Messenger article dated July 25, 2016. - 51 - -2017 Final Report The Grand Jury has exercised its authority to review documents not accessible to the media or the general public. Based on this review, the Grand Jury accepts that the City of Lincoln properly exercised its discretion to accept the Chief’s resignation. The Grand Jury accepts the City of Lincoln’s decision to refuse to release the list of LPOA grievances and the independent investigation of the Chief. It is unclear why the City of Lincoln has refused to release to the public the Settlement Agreement negotiated between the City and the Chief. The Grand Jury recognizes that there are differing opinions on this and points out that the Superior Court could make a final determination. The Grand Jury notes that a request for a court order has not been filed by any party in this case. Further, the Grand Jury does not take a position on whether or not a request for a court order would be successful in this situation. It is the Grand Jury’s opinion that the City of Lincoln should make every effort to be more transparent with its citizens.