Topeka's deputy police chief will serve as interim leader during search

Stacey Saldanha-Olson, Topeka Capital-Journal
Updated ·2 min read

Deputy Topeka police chief Jamey Haltom will serve as the department's interim police chief starting June 25.

This will come after the retirement of chief Bryan Wheeles who has served for three decades.

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Interim Police Chief for the Topeka Police Department,” Haltom said. “Over the past 25 years with this department, I have seen firsthand the dedication and hard work of our officers in keeping our community safe, and I look forward to leading the department as we search for a new police chief."

Jamey Haltom will serve as the new interim chief for the Topeka Police Department.
Jamey Haltom will serve as the new interim chief for the Topeka Police Department.

Jamey Haltom has been with Topeka Police Department since 1999

Haltom has been with the Topeka Police Department since June 1999. He's served as deputy chief since November 2021.

He has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Washburn University and is a certified publicmanager. Halton has also completed executive leadership training programs from NorthwesternCenter for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command and Law Enforcement LeadershipAcademy Command School.

Previously, he served on the Boys and Girls Club board of directors. Haltom is from Pratt, and lives in Topeka with his wife and their three children.

“I am confident that Interim Chief Haltom will provide strong and steady leadership for TPD during this transition period,” interim city manager Richard Nienstedt said. “His experience and deep commitment to serving others makes him well-suited to guide the department as the city searches for a permanent police chief.”

Throughout his career, Haltom held various leadership positions, including corporal and sergeant in the field operations bureau and the support operations bureau. While working as a commander, he was promoted to lieutenant where he led teams in the support operations bureau. Then he was promoted to captain, before assuming the role of deputy chief.

Search for new Topeka police chief will begin with new city manager

Haltom will serve as interim chief until the city manager selects a permanent police chief.

Mayor Michael Padilla said in April's city conference that looking for a new police chief won't begin until after new city manager Robert Perez takes over his role and duties.

Perez will take over his role as city manager in June, Topeka City Council member Spencer Duncan said in a meeting.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka names deputy chief Jamey Haltom as interim police leader