Interim police chief appointed
Independence City Manager Kelly Passauer has announced the appointment of David Hutchings, retired Associate Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), as interim Independence police chief, effective upon the imminent departure of Chief Jerry Harrison. Harrison, who had served as the local chief since 2016, announced his resignation last week, after accepting the chief of police position in Lebanon, Missouri. His last day on the job will be April 5.
A 33-year veteran of the KBI, Hutchings retired from the bureau in August 2023, where he had served as associate director since 2011. Early in his career, he served as a patrol officer in the Riley County Police Department. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy, where he completed the Law Enforcement Leadership program and is a member of FBI National Academy Associates. He earned his officer’s certification through the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and has bachelor’s degrees in Geology and Geophysics from Kansas State University. He currently resides in Topeka.
“We are fortunate to bring someone with Mr. Hutchings’ caliber of skill and experience to our community and look forward to his leadership of our force as we conduct a thoughtful search for Chief Harrison’s replacement,” Passauer said.
Hutchings’ first day with the force will be March 25, allowing him a two-week orientation window with Chief Harrison to ensure a smooth transition, Passauer said.
A farewell reception for Chief Harrison is scheduled Thursday, March 28, at 4:30 p.m., immediately preceding the Independence City Commission meeting at City Hall, 120 N. 6th. The public is invited to attend.