Topeka's police chief could start by this fall. First, the public must weigh in.

Now that new Topeka city manager Robert Perez has taken over his duties, the search for a new police chief can begin.

During Tuesday morning's monthly city news conference, Perez said residents can expect to have a new police chief this fall.

"If everything goes to plan, we should be able to interview mid- to late September and then hopefully have the chosen candidate start late September or early October," Perez said.

Topeka police chief retired on July 1

Former police chief Bryan Wheeles retired July 1 after serving in his position since November 2021. Wheeles worked at the Topeka Police Department for 30 years in such positions as patrol officer, narcotics investigator, homicide detective, sergeant in the criminal intelligence unit, lieutenant supervising the homicide/special victims unit, captain/executive officer and interim police chief.

In his absence, former deputy Topeka police chief Jamey Haltom was named interim police chief. When Wheeles' retirement was announced in February, the city decided to wait until after a new city manager was named to begin the search for a new police chief.

Perez was named the next city manager in early May and began working at the end of June.

Determining what the city needs in a police chief

During the conference meeting, Perez and Mayor Michael Padilla said they would like to reevaluate what the city is looking for in its next police chief.

"Is important that we give a real thorough look at the police department and where it is today, and where we want it to be for the future," Padilla said.

The city has set aside the next couple of weeks to determine that job description before opening the position for job applicants.

Topeka seeking insight from community members

On Monday, the city released a survey, so members of the community could weigh in on what they are looking for in the next city manager.

"As we are crafting what we're looking for the next police chief, we want to seek the community's input on those attributes that the community wants to see in our next police chief," Perez said.

The survey will close Aug. 2. There is an English and a Spanish version of the survey that can be accessed. Community members can also weigh in on the matter in person at one of three panels the city will likely have.

"That way if folks don't want to do an online survey, or if they don't have the capability, they can come and speak to us directly," Perez said. "The intent of the community survey and seeking input is to actually use that information to craft the job description as we develop that advertisement for that position."

The police chief search timeline for Topeka

In the meeting, Perez outlined an about two-month timeline for the search process.

"I think that's doable dependent upon if somebody come from outside it might take them time to relocate," Perez said.

These first few weeks will consist of determining what the city needs in its next police chief. Then the city will open a job search and vet possible candidates.

Once the applications have been narrowed down, the selection process with be similar to the one used to hire Perez: Candidates will be interviewed by multiple committees, the media and meet with Topeka residents.

In the search for a new city manager, the process took 10 months between the firing of the previous city manager and officially hiring Perez. Perez then relocated from Texas and began his duties six weeks later.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka's police chief could start by this fall. First, the public must weigh in.