LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The chief of the Lincoln Police Department has announced he will step down from his position early next year.

Police Chief Jim Peschong said last week that he will be retiring in February after 40 years with the department. Peschong was tapped for the position in 2011.

Mayor Chris Beutler has not said how Peschong’s successor will be hired.

Public Safety Director Tom Casady noted that crime statistics, including no homicides, show that Lincoln is in good shape. But Peschong says the department he will leave behind needs more police officers to investigate crime and stay engaged with the community.

Peschong said he believes the police department has fared well in dealing with recent gang activity by having officers focus on that area and work with young people.