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City officials say two weekend shootings are under investigation; police staffing to increase after cadet graduation
Summary
At a city press conference, the City Manager said two separate shootings over the weekend are under investigation but posed no ongoing threat; he highlighted a cadet class due to graduate Dec. 3 that will raise sworn staffing above 270 and said the increase is part of a strategy linked to falling crime trends.
The City Manager told reporters that two separate shooting incidents over the past weekend are under active investigation by the Topeka Police Department and that "there is no outstanding threat of danger" to the public. He asked residents to remain vigilant during the holiday season and to call 911 if they see concerning activity.
City officials said the department is on track to graduate its 60th cadet class. "We actually started with 23," the City Manager said, and he said he expects about 18 recruits to graduate from the academy by Wednesday, Dec. 3. When those new officers are sworn in, the city manager said the department will be "north of 270 positions filled," a staffing level he and the chief have prioritized.
The City Manager and the mayor tied the academy and staffing effort to public safety outcomes. The manager said the staffing increases are one element of a broader effort to lower overall crime in the city; he added that recent citywide crime trends are moving downward as sworn staffing rises.
The mayor praised the police, fire and ambulance crews for their responsiveness to recent incidents and thanked first responders for working through the holidays. Officials said Chief Vallejo has emphasized recruiting and training since taking leadership of the department.
No formal actions or new policy changes were announced at the press conference. City officials urged the public to report suspicious activity and said updates will be provided if investigators identify additional public-safety information.
