City of Independence Selects Ed Turner as Next Chief of Police

Independence City Manager Troy Anderson has selected Ed Turner as its next Chief of Police following an extensive nationwide recruitment process that included community engagement, public feedback and interviews with City staff, community members and law enforcement professionals. Turner has accepted the City's offer and is expected to assume his new role on October 26, 2026. 

Turner, who previously served 25 years with the Independence Police Department, received overwhelming support from participants at the City's community open house. He also received positive feedback across all three interview panels, which represented City staff, community members and law enforcement professionals. 

"From the beginning, we made a commitment to involve our community in this process, and we followed through on that commitment," said City Manager Troy Anderson. "Ed received overwhelming support from residents at our community open house and positive feedback from each of our interview panels. That input played an important role in our decision. Ed brings a genuine passion for Independence and a strong desire to see both our community and our Police Department succeed. I'm excited about the enthusiasm and experience he brings to our leadership team." 

A Comprehensive Recruitment Process 

The City selected Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to assist in conducting the extensive search that resulted in an impressive candidate pool. SGR is an executive recruitment firm based in Texas specializing in recruiting, assessing, and developing innovative, collaborative, and authentic leaders for local governments. SGR’s proprietary recruitment and vetting process produced an exceptionally strong field of candidates. 

The nationwide search attracted 25 applicants from 15 states, including five from Missouri and four from Kansas. One applicant was a resident of Independence. Following an extensive review, 11 candidates were identified for further consideration before the field was narrowed to four finalists. 

On September 24, the City hosted a community open house at the Midwest Genealogy Center, providing residents an opportunity to meet the finalists, ask questions and provide feedback. The following day, the finalists participated in a full day of interviews with three separate panels representing City staff, community members and law enforcement professionals. 

Turner received overwhelming support from participants at the community open house and positive feedback across all three interview panels. That input, combined with his professional experience, qualifications and vision for the department, helped inform the City's selection. 

A Return to Independence 

Turner brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, including 25 years with the Independence Police Department. He joined the department in 1998 and rose through the ranks to Major, serving in leadership positions across Investigations, Patrol, Special Operations and Support Services. 

During his tenure in Independence, Turner helped establish the Community Police Advisory Board and developed peer support programs for officers and command staff. He also worked to strengthen community partnerships and advance regional law enforcement collaboration. 

Since February 2023, Turner has served as Chief of Police for the City of Grain Valley, where he has overseen strategic planning, employee development, community engagement and departmental modernization. 

Turner holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Missouri and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command. 

"I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chief of Police and look forward to working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Independence Police Department, City leadership, and our community to build on our strengths and continue earning the trust of those we serve,” Chief Turner said. 

The City also extends its appreciation to Interim Police Chief Doug Brinkley for his leadership and service throughout the recruitment process. Brinkley will continue leading the department during the transition. 

Turner is expected to begin his new role on October 26, 2026, pending completion of the remaining employment requirements.