Topeka City Council talks new uniform rule for police

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Members of the Topeka City Council talked about the pros and cons of letting officers wear their uniforms while working in the service of private companies.

The Topeka Police Department believes the community would be safer if law enforcement hired by private companies were able to show the public that they are trained police officers. However, some city councilmembers are worried about where the liability will fall.

Police Chief Chris Vallejo weighed in on the issue during the Oct. 14 city council meeting. He said the department will take accountability.

“Modifying this ordinance, which says gives the chief of police full authority to speak to who can be in a uniform and who cannot be in a uniform in this city," Vallejo said. "So that gives me an immediate oversight there. So and also, our police officers are trained to follow state law and our internal policies that are superior to any kind of house rules or things like that. They're already doing their job. I'm just putting them in uniform.”

Vallejo said it is common in other states for officers to wear their uniforms while working elsewhere. The Topeka City Council discussed the issue only and hasn't taken a vote on it yet, but Vallejo says he is committed to advocating for the policy change.

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