Omaha Police Eliminate Polygraph Test for New Recruits

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The Omaha Police Department has decided to eliminate the polygraph test, commonly known as a lie detector, as a requirement for hiring new recruits. This decision comes after internal evaluations and a review of hiring practices used by agencies across the country. Omaha police say there are still extensive background investigations and ongoing evaluations during academy and field training for new hires, even without the polygraph.

Why it matters

The polygraph test has long been a controversial part of law enforcement hiring, with concerns over its reliability and fairness. Omaha's move to eliminate it could signal a broader shift in policing as departments look to attract more candidates in a competitive hiring environment.

The details

While Omaha has eliminated the polygraph requirement, other area agencies like Lincoln Police, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Sarpy and Douglas County sheriff's departments still require the test for all law enforcement applicants. The Omaha Police Department says it is currently 92 officers short of its authorized strength of 906 officers.

• The Omaha Police Department announced the change on February 20, 2026.

What’s next

The Omaha Police Department will continue to monitor the impact of eliminating the polygraph requirement and may make further adjustments to its hiring practices in the future.