It has been, and will continue to be, the policy of the Topeka Police Department that it is an equal opportunity employer that will recruit, hire and promote without regard to race, creed, sex, color, religion or national origin. The worth of each individual is based upon their qualifications and contributions to the success of the organization and service to the citizens of Topeka.

Please read about some members of our diverse work force and their experiences at the Topeka Police Department.

Karim Hazim
Email: khazim@topeka.org

I graduated from the Topeka Police Academy on May 26, 1991 and began my law enforcement career as a patrolmen in the Uniformed Division. In August of 1994 I became a certified DARE instructor and served in that capacity until May of 1995.

I returned to the Uniformed Division and served as a Field Training Officer until August of 1999 when I was promoted to Detective and assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division.

I'm currently assigned to the Burglary Unit and investigate business, residential, and vehicle burglaries. This Unit is also responsible for investigating reported thefts that occur within the city limits of Topeka. I would encourage anyone that has an interest in helping people to consider joining the Topeka Police Department.

Jeri Wheeles
Email: jhenry@topeka.org

I have been on the Topeka Police Department since October of 2000. I was nominated Secretary / Treasurer of my Academy class. Since graduation I have worked in the Uniform Patrol Division and served a special assignment in the Gang Intelligence Unit. I am currently assigned to the ATF Task Force.

I worked as a Corrections Specialist for five years prior to coming to the Topeka Police Department. I am also a member of the Department's recruiting Team.I feel that I am very fortunate to work for this department. The prior experience that I received working as a Corrections Specialist has shown me how to deal with different people and different cultures.

I feel that this department is very supportive of new officers. In my short time at the Department I have been able to change positions along with shifts to get a better understanding of the working dynamics of the Department.

Manuel Munoz
Email: mmunoz@topeka.org

I am an eight-year veteran of the Topeka Police Department. I was hired as a patrol officer and assigned to work on the East side of the city. This allowed me to connect with the Hispanic community.

In 1996 I was assigned to the walking beat, which is a division of special operations and response team. A year later I was assigned to community policing.

I was born in Mexico and am fluent in Spanish. I use my bilingual ability to assist in major investigations through interpreting. I also use my heritage to be a good influence on the younger Hispanic population.

I am a recruiter and a field training officer. The Topeka Police Department is one of the finest accredited departments and provides top quality training. In addition to my assignments I have additional training in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, Community Policing, and Domestic Violence. This department is committed to community policing which allows me to devote time to problem solving and give special attention to my assigned area.

Why do I do this job day after day? Because I love being a cop and being able to help people make a difference in our community.

Kristi Powell
Email: kpowell@topeka.org

I have been on the Topeka Police Department since February of 1998. I was the first female to ever be selected as the President of my Academy class in the 27 years of the department's Academy history!

Since graduation I have worked in the Patrol Division as well as in the Traffic Division. I have been assigned to the DARE unit since August of 1999. After teaching for one year I was asked to join the DARE Officer Training Staff with the Kansas Attorney General's Office.

I haven't been treated any differently on this department because I'm a female. It doesn't matter who you are, hard work pays off. There is such a wide variety of opportunities within this department that there is something for everyone.

Don't set limits on your own success.