Sgt. Dustin Stafford selected as new Independence Police Chief
Independence City Manager Kelly Passauer has announced the appointment of longtime Independence officer Sgt. Dustin Stafford as the new Chief of Police for the community, effective July 1, 2024.
Stafford replaces former Chief Jerry Harrison, who left the community in April to assume a new role as chief of the Lebanon, Missouri, Police Department, and David Hutchings, who has served as interim chief since Harrison’s departure and will remain with the force to assist Stafford through the transition.
Throughout the past several weeks, Passauer said, a lengthy and layered selection process has been underway to identify a new chief. Several community members, representatives from area law enforcement agencies, and City leadership came together last week to interview and assess three highly qualified candidates.
“We are proud to announce that Sgt. Dustin Stafford of our own Independence Police Department prevailed and was selected to succeed Chief Harrison,” Passauer said. “Sgt. Stafford’s deep roots in our community and his extensive experience with the IPD make him the ideal choice to lead our department forward.”
An Independence native, Sgt. Stafford has served with IPD since 1999 in a variety of roles and with multiple responsibilities, including personnel management, scheduling, administrative operations, and helping coordinate the department’s engagement in large-scale events. Sgt. Stafford began serving in the role of School Resource Officer (SRO) in August 2008 and is classified as an Advanced SRO and continues to mentor fellow resource officers and serve as the IPD’s training officer for juvenile law and procedures. He was promoted to Administrative Sergeant in July 2019.
His educational background includes graduating from Independence High School and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC). He has also completed continuous training at IPD, including courses in leadership, organizational change, and internal affairs investigations.
In addition to his professional achievements, Sgt. Stafford is actively involved in the community. He created and has led the Guitar Club for high school students for 15 years; volunteers as a mentor at Jefferson School through the TeamMates program; and provides various presentations at schools and community events.
“I strongly believe in building relationships within the community, among businesses and co-workers to help find new ways to improve the services provided by IPD, and I believe in serving with character and transparency,” Sgt. Stafford said. “It is an honor to be appointed as the Chief of Police for Independence. I am committed to continuing the legacy of excellence within our department and ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.”