It’s graduation day for the Lincoln Police Department’s Spring 2026 recruit class. Fifteen new Lincoln police officers will receive their badges Thursday night, while two lateral officers will also be recognized during the ceremony. In addition, one Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputy recruit will graduate alongside the class.
LPD Public Information manager Erika Thomas says the academy achieved a 100 percent completion rate, with every recruit who started the academy finishing the program. The two lateral officers joined the class in February.
The graduation comes as LPD continues efforts to reach full staffing levels. The department is authorized for 371 officers and currently has 357 on the force, or about 96 percent staffing. More than 18 recruits are expected to begin the next academy class in July, which officials say will push staffing above authorized strength.