Pipe and Drum Corps

The Omaha Police Pipe and Drum Corps serves as a ceremonial unit, honoring fallen officers of the Omaha Police Department, and participating in civic functions that promote law enforcement.

The corps operates under the Executive Services Bureau (ESB) of the Omaha Police Department, specifically within the Training and Community Services Section (TCSS).

The Pipe and Drum Corps is made up of 15 members: 5 drummers and 10 pipers. Members must be off probationary status and have a minimum of one year in law enforcement or military service.

The Pipe and Drum Corps is considered an "As-Needed Component" (ANC) of the OPD, meaning it is called upon for specific events.

All administrative requests related to the Pipe and Drum Corps (like special duty or travel) must be processed through the TCSS Captain.

Individuals from any rank within the OPD can apply to join the Pipe and Drum Corps. Applications are reviewed by the Pipe Major, the candidate's chain of command, and the current members of the corps.

The Pipe Major is responsible for posting an Information Order in December to announce potential openings for new members. Interested individuals then apply to the Pipe Major to initiate the process.

The Pipe and Drum Corps focuses on performing with a high level of skill and pride, showcasing the best qualities of the OPD.

A simple majority vote, over 50%, is needed to advance a proposed member's application to the Chief of Police for review.

The Chief of Police, or their designated representative, has the final say on whether someone can join the Omaha Police Pipe and Drum Corps.

Membership in the OPD Pipe and Drum Corps doesn't automatically mean you can perform publicly. You might need to audition based on your skill and attendance.

The Pipe and Drum Corps members elect a Pipe Major and Drum Sergeant, while other positions are appointed by the Pipe Major.

The Pipe Major is responsible for training, equipping, staffing, and managing the Pipe and Drum Corps, and reports directly to the TCSS Captain.

Elections for the Pipe Major and Drum Sergeant happen every two years in March of odd-numbered years.

If a chair officer resigns, the Pipe Sergeant takes over until new elections.

A Retention Committee, consisting of the Pipe Major, Drum Sergeant, and one other member, can recommend a member's dismissal for issues like poor attendance or behavior.

The Pipe Major is responsible for issuing an OPD Personnel Order outlining the training schedule, dates, times, and names of band members required to attend.

The individual unit supervisors for band members must ensure a Temporary Special Duty/Change of Hours approval is obtained from the employee's chain of command for band members attending training.

The Police Supply Unit (PSU) is responsible for issuing and keeping track of Pipe and Drum Corps uniforms and equipment.

The Omaha Police Pipe and Drum Corps uniform and equipment are issued according to OPD Uniforms and Equipment policies.

The TCSS Captain is responsible for notifying the Police Supply Unit (PSU) when a band member needs a uniform or equipment item.

A retired OPD member who requests to retain membership in the OPD Pipe and Drum Corps for ceremonial and community events, but is no longer actively on duty. They retain some privileges, like uniform items (with stipulations) but don't receive compensation or special duties.

A member of the Pipe and Drum Corps is required to attend at least four of the six mandatory training sessions per year, with no unexcused absences. They must also attend 50% of the weekly band practices each month. The Pipe Major may grant excused absences at their discretion.

When an OPD Pipe and Drum Corps member is participating in training, ceremonies, or functions for the corps and is absent from their regular duties for a day or more, they can be granted special duty status. Approval must be obtained through their chain of command via email.

The Pipe Major of the OPD Pipe and Drum Corps tries to use on-duty OPD members to staff events for the corps. If necessary, overtime may be authorized for those members.

If a member of the OPD Pipe and Drum Corps leaves the corps in good standing, they can choose to keep their kilt by paying a fee to the corps. Kilt ownership is not mandatory.

The Retention Committee is a group that reviews cases of misconduct within the OPD Pipe and Drum Corps. They then recommend to the TCSS Captain whether to retain, dismiss, or suspend the member(s) involved. The TCSS Captain forwards the recommendation to the ESB Deputy Chief for a final decision.

Members of the OPD Pipe and Drum Corps are required to attend at least four of the six mandatory training sessions per year. They must also attend 50% of the weekly band practices each month. These attendance requirements demonstrate the importance of consistent involvement in the corps.

The OPD Pipe and Drum Corps is considered an As-Needed Component (ANC) of the OPD, meaning they are called upon for specific events. They are not deployed regularly, but rather serve in a ceremonial capacity to honor fallen officers and participate in community events.

All requests must be sent to the TCSS Captain or the Pipe and Drum Corps Pipe Major. Both individuals will be notified.

The Pipe Major reviews requests for approval. If the Corps can't fulfill the request, the Pipe Major informs both the Captain and the requesting party.

No participation if it could cause embarrassment or ridicule to the department, the Corps, any individual, or the US flag.

The Pipe Major or a senior member can withdraw the Corps from an event if it's deemed inappropriate or harmful to the Corps' integrity.

Events outside Omaha are allowed within 200 miles. Exceptions require approval from the ESB Deputy Chief.

The Corps is available for funerals of OPD officers who died in the line of duty, while working, or retired after 20 years.

Law enforcement officers from other agencies who died while working are eligible for a Corps performance.

The TCSS Captain can approve requests from firefighters, government officials, and military personnel.

The Omaha Police Pipe and Drum Corps provides ceremonial services for fallen officers, both within the OPD and in neighboring agencies. These services are guided by their Unit Manual and involve procedures for notifying the Pipe Major and collaborating with the Chief of Police.

When an OPD officer dies outside of the line of duty, the Pipe and Drum Corps may still offer services, depending on family wishes and availability. Prompt notification to the Pipe Major is crucial, as the death may not occur on duty.

The Pipe and Drum Corps offers services for deceased retired OPD officers who served for 20 years or more. Notifications may be delayed and are often handled through the ESB Deputy Chief. The availability of services depends on the family's wishes and the Corps' capabilities.

The Pipe and Drum Corps has mandatory training sessions throughout the year, typically on a monthly basis. Members can request excusal from practice, and these dates are considered Special Duty status. Additional training days require approval from the TCSS Captain.

The Pipe and Drum Corps comprises fifteen members, including five drummers and ten pipers. To join, members must be off probationary status and have at least one year of experience in law enforcement or military service.