Final picks for Topeka's new chief of police identified
TOPEKA (KSNT) - The City of Topeka has landed on its top picks for the position of chief of the Topeka Police Department (TPD).
City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett said in a press release that city officials have landed on four finalists for the position. These include the following people:
- W. Simon Happer is the current deputy police chief for the Overland Park Police Department. Has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and holds a master of public administration degree from the University of Kansas. Happer's stated goals for the position include reducing crime rates, increasing traffic safety and improving morale while also building trust with the local population.
- Russ Klumpp is currently a major within the TPD. Has 19 years of experience in leadership and serving in executive roles. He holds a PhD in social psychology from Walden University. Klumpp hopes to improve community, build relationships and increase the TPD's accountability.
- Jose Salcido served most recently as director of campus security at Friends University in Wichita, and has more than 27 years of experience in law enforcement. He holds a master of military arts and sciences degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and has a human resources certification. He previously served in the U.S. Air Force for 25 years before retiring with the rank of major. Salcido previously led a department of investigators overseeing all criminal investigations and helped develop various crime prevention strategies in partnership with the community while serving with the Wichita Police Department.
- Chris Vallejo has 30 years of experience in law enforcement and has served in various roles during his tenure with the Austin Police Department (APD) in Texas. He holds a master's degree of criminal justice from Texas State University. While serving as commander in training at the APD, he helped develop inclusive and diverse training programs and implemented recruitment strategies which resulted in the most diverse cadet class in the department's history. Vallejo currently serves as a National Policing Institute executive fellow and collaborates regularly with police chiefs across the nation on strategies to address the latest challenges in U.S. law enforcement.
Topeka residents will have an opportunity to meet with the finalists from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at Hotel Topeka, located at 1717 Southwest Topeka Boulevard. The Topeka City Council will then discuss further which of the finalists should serve in the position during a special Governing Body meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7.
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