Oakland police chief resigns, offers to give up law enforcement certificate

OAKLAND, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska police chief is stepping down amid a state audit into missing city funds.

According to the Nebraska Examiner, former Oakland Police Chief Terry Poland has resigned and is giving up his law enforcement certificate.

Poland has been on paid leave since a state audit revealed that he had used $15,000 in city funds for personal items, including using city-purchased gift cards for items like fishing equipment, wakeboards and a basketball backboard.

Oakland Mayor Ted Beckner told the Nebraska Examiner that there are negotiations underway for Poland to reimburse the city.

Poland had been chief since 2016. He also served as an officer in nearby Lyons.