No contract between Topeka, new police chief; offered $175,000 salary

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The City of Topeka is announcing new information about its arrangement with its new police chief.

Chris Vallejo, Topeka's next police chief, does not have an employment agreement with the City of Topeka. Dan Garrett, director of communications and media with the City of Topeka, said the chief of police is considered an "at will position".

This means there is no employment contract between the City of Topeka and Vallejo. Garrett told 27 News the city's Human Resources Department stated Vallejo was offered a starting salary of $175,000.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, Topeka City Manager Robert Perez announced Vallejo will be the next police chief. Vallejo will take over in his new role the week of Jan. 20, 2025.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.