Topeka officials look at adding ‘citizen layer’ to evaluating allegations of police misconduct

Topeka’s city government is looking at creating a job in city manager Brent Trout’s office for a civilian employee whose duties would include playing a role in investigating reports of police misconduct, particularly those involving use of force, city officials said Thursday.

Trout was still trying to determine exactly how the arrangement would work and how the position would be funded, he said as he and Mayor Michelle De La Isla held their monthly news conference at City Hall.

Police Chief Bill Cochran said he had personally suggested the arrangement, which is similar to one the city of Denver has in place.

“I think at this point, citizens are expecting us to do something,” Cochran told a Topeka Capital-Journal reporter after the news conference.