Independence Police Department Announces Comprehensive Action Plan Following Independent Assessment

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - In a commitment to professional accountability and public safety, the City of Independence contracted with the Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute (LLRMI) for a risk assessment of the Independence Police Department (IPD) in the Summer of 2025.  Chief Douglas Brinkley joined the Independence Police Department in late September 2025 as Interim Police Chief.  The LLRMI Risk Assessment results were presented to the City in mid-November of 2025.

One of Chief Brinkley's top priorities has been to study and implement these LLRMI Assessment Recommendations in a structured and phased approach.  In his nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement and city government, Chief Brinkley has implemented five similar assessment recommendations.

“This assessment provided valuable insight into areas where we are performing well and areas where we can improve," said Chief Douglas Brinkley. "We appreciate the thoroughness of the review and the professionalism of the assessors. Most importantly, we are committed to acting on these recommendations to strengthen our department and better serve our community.”

Less than a month after receiving the LLRMI Risk Assessment, Chief Brinkley adopted an implementation plan for the recommendations, broken into four timed phases.  Those timelines range from 90 days to 18 months.

"We have to do the work," said Chief Brinkley. "This is a thoughtful process based on the recommendations from LLRMI, nationwide best practices, and my own previous experience.  Some of these changes are as simple as a policy update.  But much of this is complicated. Changes to long-held systems do not happen in a matter of days."

Within six weeks of receiving the LLRMI Risk Assessment, Chief Brinkley is finalizing changes in training, security, and the organizational structure for property and evidence management.  He continues to form committees from the 330 IPD employees to address additional key areas of focus from the LLRMI Risk Assessment.

"We must have employee input and engagement, as it is key to adoption and success," said Chief Brinkley. "This Risk Assessment means nothing if we can't create real and lasting change for IPD and the community we proudly protect and serve. This is an opportunity to build upon IPD's existing strengths while addressing these identified risks in a deliberate and transparent way."

Implementation of the action plan will occur in phases, with ongoing oversight and documentation. Those include:

•  Critical Incident Response and Chain of Command: Establishing clearer notification procedures, command-level response expectations, and formal critical incident reviews.
• Vehicle and Foot Pursuit Practices: Reviewing pursuit policies and training to further balance enforcement needs with public and officer safety.
• Use of Force Review and Oversight: Enhancing supervisory after-action reviews to ensure objectivity, thoroughness, and continuous improvement.
• Body-Worn Camera Program: Strengthening policy guidance, training, and supervisory oversight to ensure consistent activation and documentation.
• Internal Affairs Procedures: Reinforcing investigative standards to ensure all complaints are reviewed thoroughly, fairly, and impartially.
• Property and Evidence Management: Improving training, security, audits, and organizational structure to further safeguard evidence integrity.
• Leadership Development and Training: Expanding leadership training opportunities to support effective decision-making during critical incidents.
   

"The City Manager's Office has directed Chief Brinkley to review and begin implementing the LLRMI Risk Assessment recommendations," said Assistant City Manager Charlie Dissell. "Our focus remains on ensuring these recommendations are addressed thoroughly and effectively to strengthen public safety and community trust."

Interim City Manger Lisa Reynolds added "Our community expects professionalism, accountability, and transparency from its police department. This action plan reflects our shared commitment to continuous improvement and public trust.”