New Topeka police chief public input sessions open next month

TOPEKA (KSNT) – The City of Topeka is inviting locals to participate in some upcoming community sessions to help determine the biggest priorities for the city in finding its next chief of police.

Daniel Garrett, a City of Topeka spokesman, issued a press release Thursday, July 25 on the schedule for these public discussions. Residents will have the opportunity to meet with the new city manager and share ideas on the search for Topeka’s next chief of police. The full schedule is below:

• Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024

  • 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library at 1515 SW 10th Avenue in Marvin Auditorium 101B.

• Friday, Aug. 2, 2024

  • Noon to 1 p.m.

  • Cyrus K. Holliday Building at 620 SE Madison Street in the first-floor conference room.

• Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024

  • 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

  • Hi-Crest CRC Care Center at 455 SE Golf Park

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“I am excited and hopeful as we embark on the selection process for Topeka’s next police chief,” said Topeka City Manager Robert Perez. “This must be a collaborative effort between the city and community, to ensure our next chief has department and community support and knows where to focus their energy. I have laid out an aggressive timeline for the selection, aiming to make the final appointment in late September or early October. I am confident this approach will help us select the best possible candidate for the job.”

Garrett said information gathered during these sessions and the online surveys will be used to update the job description for the next chief of police for Topeka. The selection process will include multiple interview panels made up from local law enforcement officials, city councilmembers and community members.

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