Topeka city leaders respond to new police chief hire

TOPEKA (KSNT) - After weeks of searching, the city of Topeka has named its new police chief.

Topeka City Manager Robert Perez selected Chris Vallejo Wednesday as the next police chief of the Topeka Police Department (TPD). He's currently the Commander of Investigations at the Austin Texas police department. Perez, who's also from Texas, said that him getting to know the community will be crucial.

KSNT 27 News went straight to those who will be working with the new hire and got their thoughts on the hire.

"The two candidates were both very very strong," District Two Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala said. "And when he [Robert Perez] announced that it was going to be Chris Vallejo, I just let him know that I was supportive of his decision whatever that decision would be."

"As far as communication with the community, that's also a priority I stress with Chris," Perez said. "Insuring that we are being as open and transparent with the community as possible. So, transparency and communication is definitely at the top of the list."

The {Fraternal Order of Police} FOP is ready to work with Chief Vallejo to make TPD the best law enforcement agency possible. The officers of TPD are dedicated to serving the community of Topeka and we are hopeful that Chief Vallejo's leadership guides them in doing so.

Statement from Topeka Fraternal Order of Police

27 News also talked to Vallejo on the phone. He tells us that he knows people have a lot of questions, and that he looks forward to answering them when he gets here. The city says he is expected to start his new role in mid-to late January.

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