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"Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said she will not support any attempt to reduce funding for the Omaha Police Department.The mayor's office sent out a statement Thursday afternoon saying city council president Chris Jerram is proposing a $2 million cut.The proposed amendment to the city budget lists $500,000 going to the Heartland Work Force Solutions and $1.5 million toward investing in mental health services and outreach.Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said that could mean cutting 20 officers from the force. The mayor said there's also a chance the city wouldn't be able to keep the new fifth police precinct open.\"I think it's backwards, I think the taxpayers deserve better and I think our police department deserves better than this,\" said the mayor.\"To take money away that addresses intervention, prevention and the immediate needs of a community, and put it toward a long term solution, you're going to see increases in crime,\" said Schmaderer.City council members vote on the budget next Tuesday. The mayor said if the council approves the cut, she will veto it."
<https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-mayor-any-plan-to-reduce-police-funding-is-reckless-and-irresponsible/33600783>