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Chief of Police Doreen Jokerst has accepted a new position as chief of police for the city of Overland Park, Kansas. Her last day at the ​​��«����Ƶ Police Department is still being determined.

A leadership transition plan is in place for the CU police department and an interim chief will be named soon. There will be no disruption to public safety services at the university.

“On behalf of all members of the Division of Public Safety, I would like to thank Doreen for six years of committed and compassionate leadership and service to CU ��«����Ƶ,” said Marlon Lynch, associate vice chancellor for public safety. “Her tenure resulted in CUPD’s national accreditation, continued progressive and inclusive training, community involvement and advances in technology in the public safety sphere. Doreen worked tirelessly to make CU ��«����Ƶ and the ��«����Ƶ community safer.”

Jokerst was appointed to her position on Aug. 24, 2018, and took the helm of CUPD on Sept. 17 of that year. She shepherded the department through a pandemic, nationwide calls to defund police departments and calls for more transparency in police policies and training. She also led CUPD when it assisted in responding with law enforcement partners to the King Soopers shooting. 

In an article reflecting on her service at the five-year mark, Jokerst noted that the challenges provided a platform for progressive, strategic initiatives to enhance public safety efforts at CU ��«����Ƶ. 

“I have especially embraced the opportunities to engage more directly with the community we serve,” Jokerst said. “I’m humbled in the trust placed in me to lead CUPD. 

“I always say we are better together, and it took the combined efforts of every member of CUPD, as well as the support of campus leadership and students, to help us achieve great things,” said Jokerst, noting the department was the first in ��«����Ƶ County to become nationally accredited.

“I’d like to thank the campus community for their willingness to engage with me in all aspects of public safety,” said Jokerst. “It has been my honor to serve the students, faculty and staff here at CU ��«����Ƶ.”