AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon will step down from his position and retire from the department, the KVUE Defenders have learned.
Interim City Manager Jesús Garza has asked Chacon's chief of staff, Robin Henderson, to serve in the position until what is expected to be a months-long search is performed. It is unclear whether Henderson will seek the permanent job.
It is also not clear exactly when Chacon will vacate his position, but Henderson's appointment is set to take effect the first week of September.
On Monday morning, Chacon tweeted, "I'm announcing my retirement as the Chief of the Austin Police with a heavy heart. I've come to this decision after a lot of thought. It has been an honor to serve this department and this wonderful community, and I know I'm leaving you in good hands."
Chacon then addressed the community Monday afternoon:
Chacon, 55, has been Austin's top police leader for two years, taking over the department at a time of turmoil following the social justice protests of May 2020 and an ongoing community debate about policing.
The actions of officers – primarily involving the use of what police call "less lethal shotguns" with bean bag rounds as ammunition – resulted in the indictments of 19 officers, most of which are pending. The city also settled multiple lawsuits against injured protesters for nearly $19 million.
Chacon also has served as chief during a turbulent period both inside the department and on the street.
The department has about 330 vacancies, most of which are in its patrol ranks. In response, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson announced a partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety this spring for its troopers to help patrol the city – an arrangement that sparked community concerns about racial disparities. Watson ended the relationship in July.
Chacon followed Brian Manley as police chief and served as interim before taking the top position following a national search that resulted in about 50 applicants.
A veteran of the department for more than two decades, he previously served as an assistant police chief overseeing nearly every aspect of the department.
“Chief Chacon has certainly made an impressive mark on the City with his effort to move the police department in new directions,” Garza said. “We will miss his leadership and dedication but are confident that the team he leaves behind will be able to further the great efforts he started.”
“I thank Chief Chacon for serving as our Chief of Police and doing it with professionalism,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. “The role of Chief is not an easy one. Chief Chacon approached the job with an obvious desire to support his team and to protect our community.”