TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Shawnee Co. District Attorney Mike Kagay said he looks forward to engaging more with citizens as he begins his next term.

Kagay visited Eye on NE Kansas to discuss his plans for the next four years. Kagay faced no opposition in this year’s elections.

A new initiative Kagay plans to launch is a citizen academy. Similar to programs currently active within the Topeka Police Department and Shawnee Co. Sheriff’s Office, this will allow people to take a closer look at the operations of the prosecutor’s office.

Plans for the academy are currently being developed and will be announced once finalized.

Kagay also said he was exploring the idea of ​​a special mental health court. Much like the current Drug Court and Veterans Court, it would be an alternative court offering special considerations and support for people struggling with mental health issues.

The idea, Kagay said, would be to get help and resources after a first offense to encourage him to commit other, potentially more serious, offenses in the future.

Kagay also discussed the search for Topeka’s next police chief. Two finalists will hold a public meeting Wednesday evening, followed by a panel of interviews Thursday.

Kagay said his office works closely with law enforcement and he looks forward to continuing that partnership with whoever is chosen as the next TPD chief.

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