Overland Park hires Doreen Jokerst to be city's new police chief

KANSAS CITY – The city of Overland Park, KS has hired a new police chief, nearly a year after the previous chief resigned amid controversy.

The city announced Tuesday evening that Doreen Jokerst has been hired.

Jokerst comes from the greater Denver area. She served six years as the assistant vice chancellor for public safety and chief of police at the University of Colorado Boulder. Prior to that, Jokerst worked at the Parker, CO police department (just outside of Denver), rising to the rank of commander.

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

“Overland Park is an outstanding city with a premier police department, and I’m excited to work collaboratively with the community and all members of the organization,” said Jokerst. “I am eager to begin working with our officers and the community and to call Overland Park home.”

Last September, Frank Donchez resigned as chief, just as the city had begun the termination process . Donchez claimed it was for personal reasons. The city of Overland Park said at the time, their action was prompted by his conversations with the mother of a teenager killed by police in 2018.