The City of Independence selects a new Chief of Police.

 

 Independence City Manager Kelly Passaeur announces the appointment of longtime Independence Police Officer Sergeant Dustin Stafford as the new Chief of Police.

 

Stafford is a native of Independence and has served as a police officer in the city since 1999. Stafford has served at School Resource Officer since August 2008 and has also served as IPD's training officer for juvenile law and procedures. He was promoted to Administrative Sergeant in July 2019.

 

Stafford replaces outgoing Chief Jerry Harrison who left in April to assume a similar role in Lebanon, Missouri. He will take over from Interim Chief David Hutchings. Stafford will begin his new duties on July 1.