Independence names Interim Police Chief

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - Today, the City of Independence announced the hiring of Douglas Brinkley as its Interim Police Chief. Brinkley was chosen after a nationwide search using the national recruitment firm SGR.

Doug Brinkley has served within police departments in both Michigan and Texas. He most recently served the City of Sugar Land Texas for 15 years, first as Assistant Chief of Police, then Chief of Police, and lastly as Assistant City Manager. He has nearly 30 years of experience as a law enforcement officer with 20 years of law enforcement leadership experience.

"I am eager to join the City of Independence as its Interim Police Chief," said Brinkley. "Interims act as a bridge into a new leadership chapter, and I hope to be just that. There are more than 330 people within the Independence Police Department, including the more than 230 law enforcement officers in the field protecting and selflessly serving the City every day with integrity, pride, and dedication. My goal is to support and prepare them for the next long-term leader of the Independence Police Department."

At the same time, the City of Independence has contracted with the Law Enforcement Risk Management Group, Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute. This contracted agency is conducting a 90-day targeted operations audit and inspection of the Independence Police Department.

Its scope includes interviewing leadership and several members of the Independence Police Department, conducting ride-along with officers, and creating a comprehensive report of findings and recommendations based on the audit and inspection. Those findings will be based on, among other things, Missouri State law and best practice recommendations by the Department of Justice.

"This audit by an outside agency is imperative for us to determine the forward progress of our Independence Police Department, " said Zach Walker, City Manager of the City of Independence. "The citizens of Independence must know they can trust our officers. The brave men and women who risk their lives every day also deserve the absolute best working environment and support the City can provide them.

Walker continued, "I am eager for my office to see the results of this audit and to implement an action plan to create a culture of accountability and responsibility at Independence Police Department."

Interim Police Chief Brinkley's first day will be Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. The Independence Police Department audit and investigation will continue through the fall.