Lenexa Police Chief Layman announces intent to retire

Published on October 29, 2025

Woman in police uniform in front of U.S. flag

Lenexa Chief of Police Dawn Layman has announced her intent to retire in December 2025, concluding a distinguished 32-year career with the Lenexa Police Department.

“I am grateful for Chief Layman’s three-plus decades of dedicated service to the Lenexa Police Department and the citizens of Lenexa,” said Lenexa City Manager Beccy Yocham. “The City of Lenexa and its Police Department are better because of Chief Layman’s forward-thinking and compassionate leadership. On behalf of the City of Lenexa, I thank Chief Layman for her remarkable dedication and wish her happiness and fulfillment in retirement.”

Under Chief Layman’s leadership, the Lenexa Police Department has:

  • Led the way in innovative policing through technology-driven initiatives including the Drone as First Responder Program, the Grappler Police Bumper system, and the SPIDR software platform.
  • Served an integral role in the design and opening of the Lenexa Justice Center, a state-of-the-art public safety facility that has served as the department’s headquarters since 2024.
  • Expanded community engagement opportunities, bringing residents and officers together through programs such as Workout with Lenexa Police, National Night Out, and other outreach efforts that strengthen community trust.
  • Enhanced transparency and public understanding of law enforcement through annual Understanding Police Use of Force citizen workshops.

During her tenure as Chief of Police, Chief Layman has served on numerous national, regional and local boards and committees, including several roles with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and twice serving as President of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), President (2016–2017) and (2011–2012).

Chief Layman began her career with the Lenexa Police Department in 1993 as a patrol officer. Over the next three decades, she served in various roles including bike officer, directed patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major, and deputy chief before being appointed as Lenexa’s fourth chief of police in 2020.

A recognized national leader in law enforcement, Chief Layman received the Motorola Woman Law Enforcement Executive of the Year award from the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) in 2015.

“Serving the Lenexa community has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I’m proud of our team’s commitment to innovation, integrity, and exceptional service, and I know the department’s future remains bright,” said Chief Layman.

Chief Layman has accepted the position of chief of police for the Breckenridge, Colorado, Police Department. 

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to serve the Breckenridge community and continue my work in progressive, community-focused policing. While I will miss Lenexa deeply, I look forward to contributing to a new community and embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead,” she said.

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