Overland Park swears in new police chief and announces meet & greets

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KCTV) – The city of Overland Park swore in its newest police chief, Doreen Jokerst, on October 14th.

As Chief of Police, Jokerst now leads a department of 330 full-time employees, including 280 sworn police officers.

“I am truly humbled and excited about this position and serving this community,” said Chief Jokerst. “The schools, the vibrant community, the inclusive environment, all of those things really resonated with me.”

Jokerst was hired in August after input from community organizations, neighborhood groups, Overland Park police officers and residents.

Chief Jokerst served as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and Chief of Police at the University of Colorado Boulder for the previous six years, during which time the department became the first nationally accredited police department in Boulder County, Colorado.

“I think police departments across the country should never rest on their laurels and should always look to improve,” Jokerst said.

Upcoming opportunities to meet the Boss

Chief Jokerst is taking time during her first month on the job to meet with community members.

Trunk or Treat with Police – 3-5pm Saturday, October 19 at City Hall, 8500 Santa Fe Drive
Meet the Chief Open House – 6:45 pm on Monday, October 21, before the City Council meeting at City Hall, 8500 Santa Fe Drive