Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has selected Erik Smith, a high-ranking official within the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to lead the Kansas Highway Patrol. This appointment comes as current Superintendent Herman Jones retires amidst allegations of sexual harassment and lawsuits concerning the agency's policing tactics. Smith, originally from Ellsworth, Kansas, boasts a criminal justice degree from Friends University in Wichita and spent nine years with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office before joining the DEA. He has led the DEA's Inspection Division since 2021.
Smith will officially assume his new role on July 7th. In the interim, Lt. Col. Jason DeVore, also named in the sexual harassment lawsuit, will oversee the department. Smith's appointment requires confirmation by the Kansas Senate in the upcoming year. While the legislature is currently adjourned, a Senate committee will convene this summer to decide whether Smith can serve as acting superintendent pending the confirmation vote.
Retiring Superintendent Herman Jones concludes his service amidst controversy. Although Governor Kelly has expressed gratitude for Jones's 45 years in law enforcement, she faces pressure from the Republican-led Legislature to address the allegations against him. A federal judge is currently reviewing the legality of a patrol practice known as the "Kansas two step," where troopers allegedly prolong traffic stops to seek incriminating evidence or deploy drug-sniffing dogs, even without reasonable suspicion.
Critics argue this tactic unfairly targets drivers from states with legalized marijuana, while Kansas remains without any form of legal cannabis. Furthermore, a trial is set for September in the sexual harassment lawsuit against Jones, DeVore, and the state. Jones denies the accusations, and Governor Kelly has supported him, citing two independent investigations that found no basis for the claims.
Last year, Jones and DeVore settled a separate lawsuit filed by two majors who claimed they were ousted from the patrol for supporting female employees filing sexual harassment complaints. The settlement resulted in their reinstatement and back pay.
