Pitmon Foxall III, a third generation police officer, has more than 30 years in law enforcement. While earning his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the
University of Nebraska at Omaha, Pitmon worked for the FBI for six years. He then spent four and a half years with the Police Department in Greeley, CO., before joining the Omaha Police Department (OPD) in 1983. Seven years later, he was promoted to sergeant and quickly moved up the ranks, making Lieutenant in 1993, Captain in 1996 and Deputy Chief in 2006.
Pitmon has said that the difficulties that his late father and late great uncle experienced during their careers as police officers did not discourage him from becoming a law enforcement officer and carrying on the family tradition. “My objectives and expectations have always been professionalism, accountability and respect - for fellow officers, as well as for citizens of the community.” Colleagues have described Pitmon as soft-spoken, honest, hard working and ethical.
Pitmon has a broad range of experience in law in enforcement. During his tenure with OPD he worked in the burglary, homicide, gang, uniform and crime prevention units. He has overseen the special investigation section, which includes the narcotics unit and the organized crime/intelligence unit. In 1996, Pitmon graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He has also participated as a certified assessor as part of the promotional process for various police departments throughout the U.S.
Pitmon has been involved in numerous activities to promote police/community relations with diverse populations. He has worked much of his career assigned to the Northeast Precinct, where he established a reputation as a proponent of community meetings to involve affected residents in the problem solving process. As Captain of the Northeast Precinct, Pitmon worked with Omaha Public Schools and the Eagle’s Nest Worship Center to develop and implement an OPD mentoring program for children attending Wakonda Elementary School.
In 1998, Pitmon initiated the process of developing an official hate crimes policy for the Omaha Police Department and a hate crimes awareness campaign for the City of Omaha. This resulted in the formation of a city wide Hate Crimes Council to draw attention to and help solve problems related to hate crimes in the Omaha community. In 2001, Pitmon worked with the Northeast Precinct Advisory Council to develop and implement an annual Halloween “safe-night” party for families and children of surrounding neighborhoods. This event continues today, annually attracting more than 500 children and their family members.
During his career, Pitmon has participated in numerous community activities related to law enforcement responsibilities. While assigned to the Northeast Precinct, Pitmon facilitated Project Impact meetings and activities. This project, sponsored and funded by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, was a gun violence reduction program with both law enforcement and community participation. In 2003, Pitmon initiated the development of a pilot program to provide mentoring services to the children of Wakonda Elementary School. Pitmon currently serves as a board member of the Omaha Community Partnership (OCP). OCP addresses issues and develops initiatives to combat drug abuse among young people throughout Omaha and surrounding communities.
Pitmon follows a strong family tradition of firsts with the Omaha Police Department. He was the first black officer to command the Northeast Precinct. According to the Police Chief at the time, “Pitmon’s appointment to the position was based on his experience and ability.” Pitmon considers this assignment one of his most notable achievements during his tenure with OPD, which included leading the precinct out of a period of turmoil and improving relations within the community.
Currently, Pitmon serves as a Deputy Chief and Executive Officer of the Omaha Police Department. In this role, he oversees Training, Human Resources, Recruiting and Crime Prevention. Pitmon lives with his wife, Elizabeth, their two children, Nicole and Pitmon IV, and their two Golden Retrievers, Tasha and Sam.
