Dawn Layman is a Lieutenant with the Lenexa Kansas Police Department where she is currently responsible for the 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, National Association of Field Training Officers, International Association of Women in Law Enforcement, International Police Mountain Bike Association and the Kansas Peace Officers Association.

Dawn earned her Master's 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 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from West Chester University (PA).  Dawn currently holds twelve credit hours towards her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice.  She has taught classes and conducted presentations on the following topics: 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.