SE Kansas City News

Douglas Brinkley has been named Interim Police Chief for the City of Independence, Missouri, following a nationwide search conducted by the recruitment firm SGR. Brinkley brings nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience to the position, including two decades in leadership roles. His most recent work was with the City of Sugar Land, Texas, where he served as Assistant Chief of Police, Chief of Police, and Assistant City Manager over a 15-year period.

In his statement about joining the department, Brinkley said: "I am eager to join the City of Independence as its Interim Police Chief. 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.”

Alongside this appointment, Independence officials have contracted with the Law Enforcement Risk Management Group, Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute to conduct a 90-day operations audit and inspection of the police department. The audit will include interviews with department leaders and staff members, ride-alongs with officers, and will result in a comprehensive report offering findings and recommendations based on Missouri State law and best practices from the Department of Justice.

City Manager Zach Walker commented on this process: "This audit by an outside agency is imperative for us to determine the forward progress of our Independence Police Department. 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 added: “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."

Brinkley will begin his role as Interim Police Chief on Monday, September 29, 2025. The ongoing audit is expected to continue through fall.