Shawnee County District Attorney Robert Hecht says putting Ron Miller in charge will improve what's been a strained relationship between the DA and police. Miller received his official welcome Tuesday afternoon at City Hall. And after 34 years in law enforcement in Kansas City, KS, Miller says he's got plans for the Capital City. "In Kansas City, perhaps, we were pretty aggressive on crime, but the community was right there with us in that process," Miller says, "I would like to do that in Topeka if we can, and engage the citizens."

Miller spent six years as KCK's chief. Hecht says that experience makes Miller the right man, at the right time, for TPD. "I studied him for the past couple of years, he was one of the law officers that I had hoped would apply for the position," Hecht says, "he's high-quality, professional."

Hecht says he hopes relations between his office and the police department will become more professional with Miller in charge. "He has 100% cooperation from me and everybody in my office," Hecht says.

Getting things back on track for a department that's had some high-profile problems this year is a top priority. "Someone to have the leadership skills and the leadership ability to take the Topeka Police Department, which I think is an excellent department, to the next level," says Topeka City Manager Norton Bonaparte, "I believe Mr. Miller can do that."

"What we want to do is address these issues so that the citizens in our community are confident that their police department is being operated as efficiently and professionally as possible," Miller says. Bonaparte and Miller are still finalizing the specifics of Miller's contract. Miller is ready to start the job on Monday and Hecht says he and Miller plan to meet next week.