Law Board
Meetings
- Noon
- 3rd Monday of every month, except when that Monday is a legal holiday. In those instances, the meeting is generally held on the following day at noon.
- Manhattan's City Commission meeting room
11th and Poyntz
Special meetings are also occasionally scheduled and advertised well in advance to address non-routine issues such as the formulation of the budget. All members of the public are invited to attend and an opportunity for public comment is scheduled during each meeting. Accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. For those unable to attend in person, all meetings at City Hall are also broadcast on local cable access television and online. Past meetings are available to watch for the previous calendar year at the same location. Law Board Meetings will be rebroadcast at 7 pm Thursday and 11 am Saturday the same week of the live broadcast. RCPD will also archive the past several meetings on this website.
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes.
Members
- John Matta (Chair)
- John Ford (Vice Chair)
- Barry Wilkerson (Secretary)
- Wynn Butler
- Patricia Hudgins
- Kaleb James
- Betty Mattingly-Ebert
Overview
The Riley County Police Department (RCPD) was formed in 1974 upon the passage of enabling legislation by the State of Kansas. The Riley County Sheriff’s Office, the Manhattan Police Department, and the Ogden Police Department were abolished and replaced by RCPD. As part of the move to consolidate law enforcement in Riley County, the founding statutes contained provisions that provided for oversight of RCPD by the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency – what is commonly referred to as the “Law Board”.
The Law Board is comprised of seven individuals who represent various constituencies in Riley County. According to KSA 19-4427 the Board "shall have seven members who shall be selected in the following manner:" One Riley County Commissioner selected by the Board of County Commissioners; one resident of the County selected by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC); one Manhattan City Commissioner selected by the Manhattan City Commission; two residents of the City of Manhattan selected by the Manhattan City Commission; the Riley County Attorney; and one Commissioner of the City of Manhattan or BOCC appointed by the respective governing body on a two-year rotation.
The Law Board is responsible for the enforcement of law and the providing of police protection and is authorized (in part) to: Appoint and establish the salary and compensation of the Director; Determine the number of personnel positions within the agency; Hear and affirm or revoke the suspension or dismissal of law enforcement officers; Establish salaries for personnel; Authorize the acquisition of equipment and supplies necessary to operate the department; Adopt an annual budget and certify same to the Riley County Board of County Commissioners and Manhattan City Commission; Authorize expenditures; Adopt rules and regulations necessary for the operation of the Department; and perform other duties as provided by law.