Beatrice Police Department

05/29/2026

SCAM ALERT

The Beatrice Police Department would like to alert the public to a scam currently circulating in our area involving phone calls and text messages claiming there has been fraudulent activity on a person’s Verizon account.

Scammers are contacting citizens pretending to be Verizon representatives and attempting to gain access to personal account information. Once access is obtained, victims are being locked out of their Verizon accounts while suspects open credit cards and additional lines of credit in the victim’s name.

⚠️ PLEASE REMEMBER:
• Never provide passwords, verification codes, Social Security numbers, or other personal identifying information over the phone or through text messages.
• Verizon and other legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive information in unsolicited calls or texts.
• Do not click on suspicious links sent via text message.
• If you receive a suspicious call or text, hang up and contact Verizon directly through their official customer service number or website.

If you believe you may have been a victim of this scam, contact your financial institutions immediately and report the incident to law enforcement.

If you have questions or would like to report suspicious activity, please contact the Beatrice Police Department non-emergency number at 402-223-4080.

Please share this post to help spread awareness and protect others in our community.

05/27/2026

Officer Ruh was back on lemonade patrol today! 🍋🚔

While out and about, she made another important stop — supporting a hardworking kid running a lemonade stand to raise money for a summer pool pass. After cooling off with an ice-cold lemonade, Officer Ruh said the customer service was top notch and the lemonade definitely passed inspection. 😄☀️

We love seeing young members of our community working toward their goals, learning the value of hard work, and making the most of summer break.

05/25/2026

WEEKLY SAFETY TIP

If someone asks you to buy gift cards to pay for anything and then send them the numbers on the back of the cards — it is a scam. Every time.

Scammers may pretend to be:
• Your bank
• Law enforcement
• A utility company
• Tech support
• A family member in trouble
• Even your employer

Their goal is to create panic and pressure you into acting quickly before you have time to think.

Remember:
✅ Legitimate businesses and agencies do not accept payment through gift cards.
✅ Never send photos or numbers from gift cards to someone you do not personally know and trust.
✅ If something feels off, stop and verify the information with a trusted source before sending money.

A quick phone call to confirm could save you hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars.

Stay alert and help protect others by sharing this information with family and friends.

05/23/2026

BEATRICE PUBLIC POOL OPENING DAY SAFETY

The Beatrice Public Pool opens tomorrow Sunday, May 24th — a great way to kick off the summer season!

As families head to the pool, we want to share a few important water safety reminders:

Active supervision is key
• Always keep an eye on children in and around the water
• “Water watcher” adults should avoid distractions like phones

🏊 Know the rules
• Follow all posted pool rules and lifeguard instructions
• Encourage kids to swim in designated areas only

🛟 Safety first
• Use proper flotation devices when needed (not a substitute for supervision)
• Make sure swimmers know their limits and take breaks often

☀️ Heat & sun safety
• Apply sunscreen regularly
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Take breaks in shaded areas to prevent overheating

🚗 Parking lot reminder
• Watch for children crossing or running to and from the pool area

A fun pool day is a safe pool day when everyone stays alert and follows basic safety practices.

05/22/2026

Memorial Day weekend is here—a time to honor and remember those who gave everything for our country.

As you head into the weekend, we ask everyone to celebrate safely:

✔ Never drive impaired
✔ Buckle up—every trip, every time
✔ Expect heavier traffic and plan ahead
✔ Stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles

Our officers will be out working to keep our community safe. Let’s all do our part to make it a safe and meaningful weekend.

05/21/2026

May is Military Appreciation Month, and the Beatrice Police Department would like to recognize and thank the officers who have proudly served our country.

We are grateful for the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment these officers have shown both in the military and now in serving our community. Thank you to:

Captain Moss
Officer Harre
Officer Malcom
Officer Samuelson
Officer Stankoski
Officer Vandergrift
Officer K. Bryne who is currently deployed

Please join us in thanking these officers for their military service and continued dedication to the Beatrice community. 🇺🇸

05/19/2026

Congratulations to Victim Assistance Coordinator Chevis Epp on receiving a MADD Hero Award!

Chevis was nominated by Sergeant Tim Hanson of the Gage County Sheriff's Office in the Education & Awareness – Individual category. The award was presented today by MADD Nebraska.

Thank you, Chevis, for your dedication, advocacy, and commitment to supporting victims and raising awareness in our community.

05/19/2026

Officer Ruh Makes an Unexpected New Friend

Today, our Animal Control Officer located a baby raccoon who was clearly having a “what’s going on in Beatrice?” moment. Officer Ruh couldn’t resist meeting the little guy.

Don’t worry—this fluffy little wanderer was checked on and is being cared for appropriately. While it may look cute and cuddly, baby raccoons are still wild animals and need proper handling and care from trained professionals.

Friendly reminder: If you come across baby wildlife, please do not attempt to handle or raise it yourself. Contact Animal Control or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator so it can be safely assessed and cared for.

At one point, School Resource Officer Ruh even paused to contemplate whether this fluffy little sidekick might qualify as an official emotional support animal… (pending absolutely no approvals or paperwork being completed).

Just another day in public safety—where even the smallest “citizens” get a little attention.

05/19/2026

We appreciate News Channel Nebraska for highlighting the active threat training conducted by the Beatrice Police Department alongside Beatrice Fire & Rescue. Exercises like these are an important part of ensuring our first responders are prepared to respond quickly, effectively, and safely during high-stress incidents.

Training opportunities such as this allow officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, school staff, and volunteers to work together in realistic scenarios so we can continue improving communication, coordination, and response efforts. While we hope these situations never occur in our community, preparation is critical.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this training possible, including all participating agencies, volunteers, and community partners who dedicated their time to helping us strengthen public safety efforts here in Beatrice.

The Beatrice Police Department is giving its officers the tools to be ready for an active threat.