In a significant development for the Lincoln Police Department, Captain Jake Dilsaver, formerly at the helm of the Special Victims Unit, has officially resigned. This departure follows a period of administrative leave and an intensive internal investigation, drawing further scrutiny to the department’s operational integrity and workplace culture.

City officials confirmed Dilsaver’s resignation became effective on July 31, 2025, a move that comes after he was placed on administrative leave in March. The Professional Standards Unit conducted the internal review, though specifics of their findings have not been publicly detailed, with authorities maintaining a tight-lipped stance on the personnel matter.

Dilsaver’s name surfaced prominently two years ago in a lawsuit filed by Angela Sands, a former Lincoln police officer, who alleged a deeply toxic work environment for female officers within the department. Sands’ legal action highlighted a pattern of systemic issues that she claims have long plagued the public safety agencies in Lincoln.

Specifically, Sands reported to then-Captain Michon Morrow, who now serves as Police Chief, and another female captain, that Dilsaver had sent unsolicited inappropriate pictures to a female officer while on duty. Alarmingly, despite prior reports concerning Dilsaver’s conduct, he was later promoted to oversee the newly formed Sex Crime Unit, raising serious questions about leadership accountability within the department.

The allegations against the Lincoln Police Department extend beyond Sands’ case, with a total of seven current and former officers publicly coming forward. These whistleblowers assert that pervasive workplace harassment, discrimination, and police misconduct have been enabled by city leadership for years, creating a hostile environment that undermines trust and professionalism.

The city has already faced financial consequences from these issues, having settled multiple lawsuits related to similar allegations. A former officer, Williams, received $65,000 in a settlement, while last year, two female firefighters from Lincoln Fire and Rescue were paid $900,000 combined to resolve their discrimination lawsuits, underscoring the broader implications of these public safety lawsuits.

As the department navigates these complex challenges, officials, including Chris Triebsch, chief city communications officer, have stated that LPD and the City of Lincoln will offer no further comments on this ongoing personnel matter or any pending officer resignation or internal investigation related lawsuits. This silence, however, only fuels public curiosity regarding accountability and future reforms within Lincoln’s law enforcement.