Austin Seeks Public's Input In Police Chief Search

Austin TX

17 May, 2021

12:41 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — The city of Austin is hosting a series of virtual community meetings in order to receive public input in the search for a new police chief. Two meetings will be held Monday, one on Thursday and two on Friday through Zoom so the public will be able to give feedback on who they want to be the city's next police chief. The first meeting begins at noon on Monday. Links to each Zoom meeting is available here. Residents can also submit written feedback on the website or send an email to [email protected]. At this time, the chief position is being filled on an interim basis by Joseph Chacon, who most recently served as assistant chief. MORE ON THAT STORY: Assistant Chief Joe Chacon Selected Interim Austin Police Chief Chief Brian Manley retired in March after three decades with the force. He had served as chief since Art Acevedo left in 2018. The search for a new chief, which is being led by City Manager Spencer Cronk, will be a three-phase hiring process as the city's commitment to transparency. The second phase, which began this month, focuses on outreach, recruiting, evaluate candidates, conduct preliminary research and make recommendations. The city is receiving help from national consulting firm Ralph Andersen & Associates. The firm has helped more than 30 other cities hire police chief, and residents will be able to speak directly with consultants at these meetings. "We have ensured that this recruitment process will have several touch points, that not only allow the community the opportunity to provide us feedback, but to also give us the understanding of what they look for in the core competencies of a police chief," said Austin Director of Human Resources Joya Hayes. The hiring process is under increased scrutiny due to criticism the department has faced over the years in its response to high-profile officer-involved shootings and Black Lives Matter protests last summer. The virtual public forums are as follows: Monday, May 17 – NoonMonday, May 17 – 6:30 p.m.Thursday, May 20 – 9 a.m.Friday, May 21 – 10 a.m.Friday May 21 – 2 p.m. RELATED COVERAGE: Austin PD Hires New Leaders, First Asian American Assistant Chief Austin PD Seeks New Police Recruits For 144th Cadet Class