Doreen Jokerst: Modernizing Policing from the Inside Out
A Better Future Begins with the People Behind the Badge

Episode 406 of The HaltingWinter Podcast
Sponsored by Tyler Technologies

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What does it really take to modernize policing? New technology, better equipment, and updated policies are part of the equation, but Overland Park, Kansas, Police Chief Doreen Jokerst believes meaningful transformation begins somewhere else: with the people and culture inside the organization.

In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Doreen joins Seth Winterhalter to explore why the future of policing depends on intentional leadership, employee wellness, organizational trust, and a commitment to taking care of those who serve their communities.

Drawing on her experience in municipal and university policing, Doreen discusses the cumulative toll of public safety work, the importance of creating a culture where employees feel supported, and why leaders must model the very behaviors they expect from their teams.

She also shares her approach to building a strong partnership with the city manager, breaking down departmental silos, engaging community members through listening rather than defensiveness, and helping residents better understand the complexities of local government.

For city managers, police chiefs, department directors, and municipal leaders, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: You can't transform the services you provide without investing in the people who provide them.

About Doreen Jokerst
Doreen Jokerst serves as Chief of Police for the City of Overland Park, Kansas. Her law enforcement career includes nearly two decades with the Parker Police Department in Colorado and service as Chief of Police at the University of Colorado Boulder. A founding board member of The Curve, a nonprofit focused on advancing police leadership and organizational culture, Doreen is passionate about modernizing policing through intentional leadership, employee wellness, and meaningful community relationships.

At the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California, Doreen presented "Beneath the Surface: Understanding Policing Culture and What It Takes to Modernize It," a session examining the role of city managers in supporting police leadership, strengthening organizational culture, prioritizing employee wellness, and navigating the challenges of modern policing.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter

The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Join the Waitlist Here: https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC

Connect With Seth Winterhalter
Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter
Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com