Welcome
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"On behalf of the Broken Bow, Nebraska Police Department, I welcome you to our website. I encourage you to take your time and review our website, I believe you will find it to be very helpful and informative."
Chief Steve Scott
Mission Statement
Setting new standards of excellence in policing through Integrity, Innovation and Training.
Professionalism: We will present an image that commands the highest degree of confidence, knowledge and public trust.
Respect: We will respect diverse ideas, cultures and ethnicity, rendering services in a fair, courteous and dignified manner.
Integrity: We will conduct ourselves with unwavering high standards of honesty, trust and ethical behavior. We pledge to respond to the needs of all citizens with compassion, commitment and persistence.
About
The Broken Bow, Nebraska Police Department serves a rural community of more than 3,500 residents in the center of Nebraska. Broken Bow is located along the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway (Highway 2), just 50 miles north of Interstate 80. It is the county seat of Custer County and the second largest county by area in the state.
The department has seven full-time officers, including a K9 officer and one full-time police secretary.
BBPD reaches out to citizens through programs such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) for students as well as presentations to clubs, service groups and other government agencies. Officers also assist with traffic control for various events.
BBPD STAFF
Chief Steve Scott
October 1980
Officer Paul Cunningham
August 2022
Captain Chris Anderson
December 2009
Sergeant Chris Henderson
May 2020
Officer Chris Shelby
August 2022
Officer Chris Leibert
October 2023
Julie Toline, Secretary
May 2015
RETIRED 2024 - K-9: Sam
Handler: Captain Chris Anderson
Breed: German Shephard
Birthday: March 20th, 2015
Weight: 65 lbs.
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Biography: K9 Sam is a 9-year-old German Shepherd who was imported from Mexico.
K-9 Sam was trained on narcotics detection in Paris, Tennessee.
K-9 Sam was certified in narcotics detection work in January of 2017 while working for the Gordon Police Departmen2t in Gordon Nebraska. K-9 Sam and then Sgt. Chris Anderson served the community of Gordon Nebraska for two years.
In January of 2019, Chris Anderson accepted a Police Officer position with the City of Broken Bow Police Department in Broken Bow Nebraska.
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Two Custer County law enforcement officers bring Drug Abuse Resistance Education to students across the county.
Sergeant Chris Henderson of the Broken Bow Police Department teaches classes in Broken Bow.
Sheriff Dan Osmond of the Custer County Sheriff's Office instructs students from Anselmo-Merna, Ansley, Arnold, Callaway and Sargent.
What is D.A.R.E.?
Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) is a program for young students, instructed by uniformed law enforcement officers. D.A.R.E. instructors work with students to raise their self-esteem, teach them how to make decisions on their own and help them identify positive alternatives to drugs.
Since 1990, Broken Bow Police Department and Custer County Sheriff's Office have brought the D.A.R.E. Program to approximately 300 fifth and sixth graders in the county each year.In Broken Bow, the program involves sixth graders at Broken Bow Middle School, averaging 75 to 80 total students per year. Following the 10- week program, students celebrate completion of the class with D.A.R.E. graduation and a Lock-In Party that further reinforces peer acceptance of a drug-free lifestyle.
Contact Page
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The front door is on the west side of this building.
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Address:
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116 South 11th Ave
Broken Bow, NE 68822
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Phone 308-872-6424
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Fax 308-872-2173
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Email policechief@brokenbowpolice.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Reports and Complaints
Q: How do I get a copy of my accident report?
A: First call the police department, 872-6424, to ask if the report is complete. If it is, you can stop at the department to pick up a copy. There is no charge.
Q: How do I report something to the police?
A: Call 872-6424. A dispatcher will record your complaint and connect you with an officer.
Q: How can I provide information to the police?
A: Broken Bow Police Department encourages citizens to provide information to aid investigations. You can contact BBPD by phone at 308-872-6424 or visit the office at 116 South 11th Avenue. All information is held in strictest confidence. Please be assured that you can remain anonymous.
Q: Somebody is harassing me and I want it to stop. Where can I get a Protection Order or a Restraining Order?
A: You can file for a harassment protection order against a person who is abusing you by visiting the District Court Office at the Judicial Center.
Scams
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Q: I received a call from a company claiming I had won a trip/money/vehicle..., but in order to claim my prize, I have to give them my bank account number, social security number, credit card number or some money. What should I do? Is this a scam?
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A: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You should never have to divulge personal information to receive a prize, and you should never give any of your personal information over the phone. Get the caller’s full name, the name of the company and the phone number. If they won’t give you a name and number, chances are it is not legitimate.
Permits/Lost & Found
Q: How do I obtain a handgun permit?
A: If you are a resident of the City of Broken Bow, bring proof of identification to the Police Department, fill out an application and pay a $5 fee. A criminal history will be run. If approved, you will receive your permit, good for three years. Those who live outside city limits may apply for a permit from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.
Q: I lost my watch, bike, keys, eyeglasses, etc. How can I check to see if they have been turned into the Police Department?A: Stop in to the Police Department. If your lost item is in the police’s Lost and Found and you can correctly identify it, it will be released to you. A department employee will ask you to sign a release form.
Q: If I find an item somewhere in Broken Bow, what should I do?
A: Bring it to the police department, where it will be held in the Lost & Found for the owner to claim.
Curfew/Animals
Q: What’s the city law on curfew?
A: The city curfew is 11 p.m. for anyone under the age of 16.
Q: How do I get a city dog tag?
A: Bring proof of your dog’s rabies vaccination to the Police Department. Dog tags are $5 each.
Q: What should I do if my dog is lost? Report it to the Police Department. If your dog has been picked up and placed in the pound, you can retrieve your dog from the Police Department. There is a $25 pound fee.
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Bikes & Vacation Watches
Q: How do I register a bike?
A: Bring the bike to the police department. A Police Department staff member will place a number on the bike, take a photo, and obtain a description of the bike and the owner’s name, street address and phone number.
Q: I am going on vacation, how can I get the police to watch my house?
A: If you will be gone for at least 7 days, you can stop at the police department and fill out a request for a Vacation Watch.
Broken Bow City Pound/Dog Tags
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Dog Tags
Every dog over the age of 6 months that lives within the Broken Bow City Limits must have a city dog tag.
Tags can be purchased at the Broken Bow Police Department. You must bring proof of rabies shots and $5.00 to purchase a tag.
One of the reasons it is helpful to get a city dog tag for your dog is so if the dog gets away from you, we can identify it and call you to say that it is in our pound.
If your dog is placed in the city pound, and you pick it up the same day, we normally don’t charge the $25 pound fee. If your dog is a frequent visitor to our pound, you will be charged a pound fee or if you wait a day or two to pick up your dog, you will be charged a pound fee.
The dog tags renew every year on May 1st.
Dogs running at large
A dog running at large is defined as any dog that is not under the actual control of the owner by means of a leash, cord, chain or other physical
restraint; is not confined within a cage, enclosed vehicle, fenced enclosure or shelter; or is not within the real property limits of the owner and in
the owner’s presence. Owners can be cited for allowing their dogs to run at large.
Limit on number of dogs and cats
Broken Bow City law sets a limit of four adult dogs or cats (total of eight animals) at any one time per household.
Offspring of any dog or cat shall not count toward the maximum number for a period of four months after the birth of the offspring.
Only one exempt litter of cats or dogs may be kept in a household at any one time.
Firearm Purchase Certificate
When handgun permits are required:
Nebraska residents who wish to purchase, lease or receive a handgun are required to obtain a firearm purchase certificate, according to Nebraska Statute 69-2403.The law applies to both retail and private party transactions, and it prohibits selling, leasing, renting or transferring a handgun to a person who does not possess a handgun certificate.
A certificate is not required if:
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The person acquiring the handgun is a licensed firearms dealer.
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The handgun is an antique.
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The person acquiring the handgun is authorized to do so on behalf of a law enforcement agency.
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The transfer is temporary and the transferee remains:
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Within the line of sight of the transferor or
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Within the premises of an established shooting facility
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The transfer is between a person and his or her spouse, sibling, parent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or grandparent.
Where and how to apply in this area:
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Applicants may apply in person at the law enforcement agency that is in their jurisdiction. For example, residents of the City of Broken Bow may apply at the Broken Bow Police Department. Custer County residents who live outside Broken Bow city limits may apply at the Custer County Sheriff’s Office. Applicants must currently be local residents.
Age requirement:
To obtain a handgun purchase certificate, you must be at least 21 years of age.
Documents and fee requirements
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Current Nebraska operator’s (driver’s) license or a Nebraska state ID card or a Military ID card. The ID card must have your correct legal name. The address on your ID card must be current and match the address on the application. If your only form of ID is a Military ID card, you must also provide two forms of proof of residency (such as a utility bill, vehicle registration, pay stub, etc.) with your current address.
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Application fee of $5.00
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Applicants born on a U.S. military base outside the U.S. must provide their birth certificate.
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Applicants born outside the U.S. must also provide a copy of their citizenship papers, U.S. passport or alien resident card.
Reasons for denial:
Applications will be denied if the applicant:
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Fails to answer all questions on the application
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Has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable
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by imprison for a term exceeding 1 year
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Is a fugitive from justice
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Is an unlawful user of or addicted to anycontrolled substance
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Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution Is an alien unlawfully in the United States or an alien admitted to the U.S. under a nonimmigrant visa
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Has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.
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After having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his or her citizenship
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Is subject to a court order that restrains the person from harassing, stalking or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner
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Has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
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Is under indictment or information (i.e. charges have been filed in court) for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year
Renewing your certificate:
Certificates are valid statewide for three years from the date they are issued, at which time applicants must reapply for a new certificate. All documentation above is required at this time regardless of whether a certificate has been issued to the applicants in the past.
What to do when you receive your certificate:
Upon receipt of your certificate, please inspect the document to make sure that the personal information is correct and that a law officer’s signature appears. In the event of any typographical error or omission, please bring the certificate back to the Police Department within 30 days for any corrections. Notification of any corrections beyond 30 days after issuance will require a new application.
BBPD Photos
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Officer Chris Leibert graduated from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center on April 12, 2024
Chief Scott congratulates
Sergeant Henderson
on his promotion.
Chief Scott pins on the Captain Bars for Captain Anderson who was Promoted from Sergeant
Officer Paul Cunningham graduated from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center on April 21, 2023.
Officer Chris Shelby graduated from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center on April 21, 2023.
BBPD Community Activities
Halloween 2024 - Trunk or Treat
High Five Friday
Staff from the Department's Past
Chief Henry Coffman
1948-1952
The above photo shows Broken Bow Police Department employees from 1950 to 1952. They include (back row, from left) Orville "Hap" Kruser, J. Y. Smith, Bob Ingrahm, (front row, from left) Chief Oscar Wooters and Bill Gerhman.
1971
1975
1977
1979
In 2002, the staff included (back row, from left) Chief Dan Hanson, Officer Jeff Schaaf, Officer Ryan Anderson, Officer Roy Crites (front row, from left) Officer Larry Crowell, Secretary Tracy Baldwin, and Sergeant Steve Scott.
In 1996, the staff included (back row, from left) Officers Randy Haddix, Steve Scott, Roy Crites, Dan Hanson, Tony Suey, (front row, from left) Chief Dennis Patrick, Secretary Carol Allen and Officer Harmon Moss.
LtoR: Asst. Chief Pat Luther, Chief Orval (Hap) Kruser, Officer Frank "Irish" Cunningham, & Officer Ralph Ready.
Police Chiefs from the Department's Past
HISTORY OF POLICE CHIEFS
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Broken Bow's head law enforcement officers were known as marshals from 1890 to the 1920's. Later the title was changed to Chief of Police. In some years, more than one Marshal or Chief led the department. The following list includes names of Marshals or Chiefs from the present back to 1889:
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Chief Steve Scott 2005-Present
Acting Chief Roy Crites 2005
Chief Dan Hanson 1998-05
Chief Dennis Patrick 1990-98
Acting Chief Carl Speer 1989
Chief Loyal Muhlbach 1980-89
Chief Robert Jatczak 1975-80
Chief Orval "Hap" Kruser 1956-75
Chief Oscar Wooters 1952-56
Chief Henry Coffman 1948-52
Chief Frank J. Crable and Chief J.Y. Smith 1940-47
Chief Henry Choffel 1930's
Records are missing from the 1920's to 1930's. Some of the chiefs or marshals in that period included: Oscar M Eubank, Lester L. Smith, George Kindness and Fred Reeder. Chiefs or marshals in earlier years were: .
Ed Molloy, E. Draper & William Davis 1911
W. Cannon & John Kensell 1906
Pliny W. Towsley 1898-1920's
W.G. Montgomery & James Dooley 1897
William Barrett, F.H. King & E. F. Molloy 1894-96
William S. Boyce & W. H. Shackleford 1893
Charles Penn & W.H. Shackleford-nights 1891-92
Isaac Merchant & J.J. Crable 1890.
N. Pershal 1889
Badges Over the Years
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Left - 1970s and 1980s
Middle - 1990s
Right - Since 2005
Hats Over the Years
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Left - 1990s
Right - 1950s through 1980s