Police Chief Kevin Denney addresses the Grand Island City Council Feb. 25, (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – Police Chief Kevin Denney gave Grand Island’s City Council a quarterly report at its Feb. 25 meeting.
Perhaps the most important area is what has happened to Grand Island’s crime rate over the last three years. In 2024, the crime rate was down 14.4 percent, compared to down 10.6 percent in 2023 and up 13.8 percent in 2022. The Police Department has a goal of a 20 percent crime reduction rate in 2025.
Denney said an increased number of police officers is helping fight crime. In December 2024, the Police Department had 84 officers, and that will grow to 102 officers by January 2027.
The Police Department has given a new look to two commonly viewed items: patches on officers’ uniforms and graphics on police vehicles.
Denney has participated in what he labeled as the “business beat.” For example, he poured coffee for customers at the Farmers Daughter Café.
The Police Department has reclassified some positions to indicate who is in a supervisory role. For instance, reclassification occurred so there are now two records supervisors. Two lieutenants and two sergeants were added. The sergeants are spending more time on patrol and less time at the Police Department office.
Denney mentioned some components of the philosophy of staffing. First, there is exceptional leadership and culture. Supervisory structure and organizational hierarchy are present. Intentional community engagement is occurring. The Police Department has specialized units, such as one for violent crime.
The Police Department is placing an emphasis on wellness. Staff members are using the Cordico wellness app, which has a variety of features. There is a support group, chaplain group, and family readiness group. In addition, the Police Department has Boone, a therapy dog. Boone is used for student engagement, crisis events, and crimes against people. Boone is primarily on duty at Grand Island Senior High School.
City Council President Jack Sheard said that the Police Department has a good reputation, and that it is good that crime rates are down. Council member Doug Brown congratulated the Police Department on its success.
Council member Ryan O’Neill asked Denney whether it had officers who were monitoring social media. Denney responded that social media is being monitored. Council member Mike Paulick thanked Denney for the job that the Police Department is doing.
