Thursday, March 27, 2008

Exemplary planning and execution

Yesterday's series of search warrants and arrests to dismantle a drug trafficking organization in Lincoln was a work of art. So far, seven arrests have been made, and over a pound of methamphetamine and nearly a pound of cocaine seized. The counting was still going on when I left last night, but there is over $80,000 in cash.

It's an excellent bust, not because of the amount located, but because of the quantity of methamphetamine that this organization has been distributing in Lincoln and in other Nebraska cities. There will be another 2,100 drug arrests in Lincoln this year, but few will have as much impact on disrupting crime. This organization was involved in guns, drugs, stolen property, and child abuse.

The 0815 briefing in our assembly room Wednesday morning was something to see. Sgt. Donahue had the operations plan on the plasma monitors, while the Captain was reviewing assignments. The room was packed with officers in full gear. listening intently to their instructions. Nothing like a few decked-out SWAT teams to make a chief smile. We had personnel from LPD, the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, the University of Nebraska Police, the FBI, the DEA, and the prosecutor's office gathered.

The operations plan was detailed and informative, including assignments, interpreters, mug shots, maps, floor plans, aerial photos, locations of medical standby units, notations of children at the target addresses, and much more. The level of preparation it reflected was exemplary. After the briefing, I had to dash over to show it off at the Mayor's office. Good planning like this protects everyone involved.

Congratulations to Capt. Brian Jackson and the rest of the Narcotics Unit for putting together a great case.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's nice to see that everyone can play nicely together for a common cause.

I see mention of all of the law enforcement officers that were present for the briefing. But I was wondering if the Mayor would ever be interested in watching such a briefing.

I can only imagine what he could have gleened from such an operation after his NO SLUMS speech. I feel there is no substitute for a briefing when you can be a witness to it.

I only feel that it was a missed opportunity where a Mayor could offer his presence of support even though the checkbook propably was not brought with him.

Anonymous said...

A very impressive multi-agency effort!

I'd echo the last sentiment regarding increased funding, but that's only likely to happen if increasing police funding would boost the Mayor's chances of re-election. Being a career politician, staying in office is probably priority #1 by a large margin.

Anonymous said...

where are the mug shots?

Anonymous said...

Do you consider the war on drugs to be constitutional?

Tom Casady said...

11:22-

The Journal Star is running the mugshots with their current article, I believe.

Anonymous said...

I'm assuming that these guys are part of a larger "organization" (ok, I guess I should just come out and say "gang"). Will it ever be made public what gang they belong to or are affiliated with?

Anonymous said...

One would hope that this bust will help put to rest some of the nay sayers (hippies and pirates) that were complaining about the salvia bust a few days ago when they should have been using their time and resources to be encouraging kids to stay in school.

Peace out.

Anonymous said...

Were they running the meth in from outside the SE Nebraska region, or manufacturing it in this area?

Ryan said...

Chief - is the SWAT picture actually of your team?

I'm curious why the HK is suppressed, but the two AR's aren't? A pistol caliber subgun in a house is plenty loud, but it doesn't hold a candle to 5.56 being fired indoors. I'm sure the SWAT members would really appreciate cans on the AR if it actually came down to shooting.