New police chief gets situated with Topeka

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Before we know it, the capital city will officially have its new Police Chief in Chris Vallejo.

Vallejo doesn't officially start until Jan. 20 2025, but he's currently in the capital city looking to get situated before starting his role. After being named one of the final four candidates to be the next chief, Vallejo, who is coming from Austin, TX, ultimately beat out TPD major Russ Klump for the job.

While Vallejo said he understands policing, he said he wants to better understand policing in Topeka. So, for the first couple months he plans on "observing, listening and learning".

"In order to develop credibility, I find it's better to listen to people both internally and externally. I want to know not just what's not working, but what is working well," Vallejo said. "What do we need to improve on as far as we engage to the community, what do we need to improve on inside operations and what's already working well so I don't have to worry about that."

After this, Vallejo told 27 News he wants to create some sort of long-term strategic plan starting with a violent crime plan. When asked if he's had a chance to speak with the police union here in the capital city yet, Vallejo said he's talked to union members in passing, but he looks forward to talking to them in a group.

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