Gov. Heineman Names Mike Friend of Omaha as Office of Violence Prevention Director

(Lincoln Neb.) Photo Gallery - Gov. Dave Heineman today announced the appointment of State Senator Mike Friend of Omaha as the first director of the Office of Violence Prevention beginning August 17. The office was created as part of a new anti-crime package enacted this year, and will be a division within the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (Crime Commission).

“I want to thank Senator Friend for accepting this challenge,” Gov. Heineman said. “We took an important step this year by establishing this office and funding several community groups involved in violence prevention efforts. Senator Friend is committed to public service and he has a passion for working to resolve this issue. I’m pleased he will be coordinating our efforts.”

Sen. Friend currently represents Legislative District 10 covering the northwest portion of Omaha and has served in the Legislature since 2002. He serves as chair of the Urban Affairs Committee. Sen. Friend will resign his seat effective August 16 and Gov. Heineman will appoint a state senator to serve the remainder of the term.

Sen. Friend said, “I have a unique perspective on these issues having lived in Omaha, Grand Island and other communities where these problems exist and also having grown-up in a family with several relatives serving in law enforcement. Violence prevention is a complex, statewide issue that will take time to address, but I will work diligently to help the individuals affected by crime and the communities I care about deeply.”

Author of LB 63, State Senator brad Ashford of Omaha, added, “Senator Friend is highly qualified, persistent and committed individual. The Governor’s pick of someone of Senator Friend’s caliber demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to gang and violence prevention. Mike Friend has been a leader in the Legislature and will continue to be a leader in his new capacity.”

Since 1997, Sen. Friend has also worked as a business analyst and information office manager for First National Bank of Omaha. Prior to this, Sen. Friend has years of experience as a writer and reporter, sports editor and sales and marketing representative. Sen. Friend has a degree from Creighton University in journalism and public relations.

The Office of Violence Prevention will be responsible for developing, fostering, promoting, and assessing violence prevention programs in the state. The Governor is responsible for appointing the director and a six-member advisory council.

Last month, $350,000 in funding was distributed through a competitive grant process to organizations and government entities submitting violence prevention plans aimed at reducing street and gang violence, as well as reducing homicides and injuries caused by firearms. The Crime Commission approved $290,000 in funding for the five Omaha area projects, and $60,000 for gang-prevention efforts in Columbus.

Sen. Friend’s salary will be $70,000.