Overland Park hires new police chief

OVERLAND PARK, Kansas (KCTV) – Overland Park has a new police chief.

On Tuesday, the city of Overland Park named Doreen Jokerst as the city's next police chief.

Jokerst comes to Overland Park from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she spent the past six years as the university's assistant provost for public safety and chief of police, leading the department to become the first nationally accredited police department in Boulder County, Colorado.

She replaces interim police chief Simon Happer, who took over the position following the resignation of former police chief Frank Donchez in September 2023.

READ MORE: Overland Park police chief resigns after gruesome conversation with grieving mother

The city of Overland Park announced in May that it was conducting a nationwide search with the help of a recruiting firm that specializes in finding police leaders. Ultimately, the search led the Overland Park Police Department to its new chief.

“Doreen brings extensive experience to our team, with service and expertise in a variety of police roles. She is a lifelong learner and a leader in modern, progressive community policing practices,” said Overland Park City Manager Lori Curtis Luther. “I am confident her leadership and focus on inclusivity will improve our department and our community in the future.”

Jokerst will assume her role in October.

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