The Omaha City Council has approved a new five-year police union contract, even while acknowledging that it doesn’t overhaul the police department the way some residents wanted.

The council members gave their 6-0 approval at a meeting Nov. 24.

The new contract extends the probation period for new officers to two years from one.  Advocates say that allows an extra year for Police Chief Todd Schmaderer to monitor new hires, identify problematic behavior and remove those who fall short without appeal.

The contract also establishes a three-member committee to review appeals by police officers who have been reprimanded, and it streamlines the process that residents can file complaints against officers.