Aaron Hanson

Testified in support of a Nebraska bill making unauthorized street camping a misdemeanor after a first offense, called the Safe Parks and Public Spaces Act (Legislative Bill 925). As Douglas County sheriff he told the Judiciary Committee that state law already bars camping on state and county land but not city land, and that adding city property would be an easy fix. He also said most people living in tent camps struggle with mental illness and addiction and need treatment.

February 18, 2026Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: nebraskalegislature.gov · researched August 8, 2026

Released a report in March 2025 showing traffic deaths in the unincorporated areas his office patrols fell about 10% in 2024, while Douglas County as a whole rose 34%, from 50 to 67, and Nebraska rose 10%, to 251. He credited his office's Community Action Team, which combines public education, traffic enforcement, and patrols aimed at crash hot spots.

March 14, 2025Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: wowt.com · researched August 8, 2026

On February 22, 2024, Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson testified before the Nebraska Legislature Judiciary Committee in support of LB1360 and described courthouse-security staffing needs and their effect on warrant service, patrol, and criminal investigations.

February 22, 2024Supports Public Safety and Crime Control

Source: nebraskalegislature.gov · researched August 8, 2026

An Omaha police review board unanimously found that Hanson, then a sergeant, used excessive force by kneeing a handcuffed man during a 2017 traffic-stop arrest. The board recommended a job-performance interview with his supervisor. Police Chief Todd Schmaderer overruled the board in early 2018 and found the force justified.

October 21, 2022Opposes Civil Rights

Source: nebraskapublicmedia.org · researched August 8, 2026