The police are law enforcement officers who usually take an oath (make a promise) to protect and serve their communities. Police officers—or collectively, police departments—enforce laws, investigate potential crimes, and make arrests.
In Nebraska, as in other states, police officers are sworn law enforcement officials who have taken an oath to protect and serve their communities. These officers are responsible for enforcing state laws and local ordinances. Their duties include patrolling communities to deter and detect crime, investigating suspected illegal activities, and apprehending individuals suspected of violating the law. Police departments, which are typically organized at the municipal level, operate under state statutes that define their powers and responsibilities. Nebraska Revised Statutes outline the framework for law enforcement activities, including the procedures for making arrests (Nebraska Revised Statute 29-404.02) and the conduct of investigations. Additionally, police officers must adhere to constitutional protections, such as the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, when performing their duties.