03-29-06:  Chief Lipker's rebuttal letter.

This is a rebuttal to the letter to the editor published two weeks ago in the Albion News.

The previous letter stated an Albion Police cruiser was seen several miles west of town earlier that same week.  Details said there was a man driving and a female passenger.  It did not state the color of the car or give any other details.

Anyone that knows anything about law enforcement knows that details and clear descriptions are very important.

Later that same week I was told the color of the police car was black.  As far as I know, I am the only Law Enforcement officer in the area with a black car.  From this point I began my investigation, based on the truth and facts.

#1.  The day and time in question:  3-13-06, 5:45 p.m.

I was on night shift.  I was at home and went to work at 6:00 p.m., my car was at my home all day, until 6:00 p.m.

#2.  Could it have been another agency?

I called Greeley County Sheriff's department and the Nebraska State Patrol to see if they would have had an officer traveling or working west of Albion.  They did not.  The only thing I could come up with is another Police or Sheriff's department has a similar looking car and was driving west of Albion at that date and time.

As a cop, I am used to being scrutinized and second guessed by the public, it comes with the job.  I just want the public to be aware of this situation and my side of the story.

The Albion Police Department does travel outside of the city limits for various reasons, such as mutual aid, training, meetings, etc.  If anyone sees an APD patrol car outside (more than a mile) of Albion and is unsure of why it is there or what the officer(s) is doing, give me a call.  My phone number is in the book or better yet, talk to me in person.  I may not be able to give you details of everything, but it beats having rumors floating around.

I would also like the public to know Mayor Jim Tisthammer and I have one on one meetings two to three times per week.  I update him on all Police Department matters and I feel lines of communication are open and very strong.

Please feel free to call me with your concerns and/or comments

                                       Sincerely,
                                       Brent W. Lipker
                                       Albion Police Chief