Dawn Layman is a Major with the Lenexa Kansas Police Department where she is currently assigned to the Staff Services Division.  She is responsible for Disaptch/Communictions, Radio Technicians, Public Service Officers and Police Department Information Technology.  Prior to that assignment, she served as a Lieutenant in the Patrol Division and was responsible for Field Training Program, Bike Patrol Unit, Directed Patrol Unit, Recruiting and Hiring, Defensive Tactics, and the Professional Development Program. Dawn also serves on the Advisory Board for the ITT Technical Institute School of Criminal Justice.  She has served as a Sergeant in the Patrol Division supervising the Field Training Unit, Bike Patrol Unit, Directed Patrol Unit, Mentoring Program, Professional Development Program and Fleet Vehicle Management.

She has served on promotional boards within and outside her department. Dawn was also previously assigned as a detective in the Investigative Services Bureau where she worked cases involving both property and persons crimes. Prior to coming to Lenexa Dawn was a police officer with the West Chester University (PA) Police Department.  She also was a part time police officer with both the East Fallowfield and Kennett Square Borough (PA) police departments.

During her career, Dawn has been part of the following Task Forces: Kansas City Metro Squad Investigator, Johnson County Rape Evidence Collection Team, Chester County Drug Task Force, Chester County Child Abuse Task Force and the Chester County DUI Task Force. 

Dawn is a member of the following professional organizations: National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (currently serving as Immediate Past President), International Association Chiefs of Police, International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association, International Association of Women in Law Enforcement and the Kansas Peace Officers Association.

Dawn earned her Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas and was a member of the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration.  She earned her Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from West Chester University (PA).  She currently holds twelve credit hours towards her PhD in Criminal Justice. Dawn is a graduate of the FBI National Academy session #251. She is currently part of the Innovation Team of the BJA Executive Session on Police Leadership.

Dawn has taught classes and conducted presentations on the following topics: Professional Development, Excellence in the Field Training Program, Introduction to Forensic Science, Citizens Police Academy – Responding to Crimes in Progress, Police Bike Patrol, Professional Development, Mentoring, Case Building and Report Writing, and the John Robinson Serial Murder Case.  

Dawn enjoys mentoring and coaching others.  She believes that one of the greatest challenges and ultimate successes is mentoring and challenging others to reach their fullest potential both personally and professionally.