Independence police chief abruptly resigns after being on leave for months
.jpg "Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman fields questions from the media earlier this year after an officer-involved shooting resulted in the deaths of a woman and child.")
Police Chief Adam Dustman abruptly resigned from the Independence Police Department, effective immediately, the city announced in a news release Friday.
Dustman’s resignation comes after he requested and was granted leave nearly three months ago. The city provided no reason for his sudden resignation. His photo has also been removed from the city’s website.
Dustman notified members of the police department of his plans to step down Thursday night, according to an email The Star obtained through a Missouri Sunshine open records request. In the email, Dustman said he would be transitioning to another position within the city.
“I want to assure you that I did not come to this decision lightly, and it is for sure bittersweet,” Dustman said in the email sent shortly before 9 p.m. Thursday. “I have so deeply enjoyed my service to IPD and it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Chief. As tough as it is to close that chapter, I am excited about what comes next.”
Dustman did not give a reason for stepping down, other to provide some predictability in his schedule and a reduction in demand for his time, allowing him to “better provide stability for me and my family.”
The city also announced it will use Strategic Government Resources to assist in a nationwide search for an interim chief of police.
In the meantime, Deputy Chief Jason Peterson, who has been acting police chief since Dustman was placed on leave, will continue to lead the department.
“Chief Dustman’s leadership has brought important advancements to the department, and we are grateful for his service to the City of Independence,” City Manager Zach Walker said in a news release. “His commitment to supporting our officers and improving public safety will have a lasting impact.”
As the city looks for a new interim chief, the city’s manager’s office will work closely with the Fraternal Order of Police and members of the police department’s command staff to identify a candidate who can “continue the department’s mission and maintain community trust,” the city said in a news release.
Dustman, a graduate of the University of Central Missouri in 2007, began his law enforcement career in 2008 when the Independence Police Department hired him. He received his police commission in April 2009.
He served five years in the patrol division and was promoted to sergeant in 2014. In July 2017, Dustman was promoted to captain and served as patrol commander. In February 2022, he was named interim chief and was appointed chief the following August.
Dustman replaced former Police Chief Brad Halsey, who retired in December 2021 amid internal issues.
Dustman’s appointment as chief sparked a lawsuit a few months later by former Deputy Chief Ken Jarnagin, who claimed the department passed him over for the top job because of his age. Jarnagin retired in January 2022, according to the department’s Facebook page.
The age discrimination lawsuit was settled in July 2024, according to court records. Details of the settlement were not available.
The city credits Dustman with leading the department through a period of progress and modernization, including helping the department secure new funding to enhance operations, filling longstanding vacancies and acquiring updated equipment.
The city also credits Dustman with overseeing the development of new facilities, which improved officer readiness and community engagement.
This story was originally published August 15, 2025 at 1:40 PM.
