AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department swore in its 10th police chief, Joseph Chacon, on Friday at 3 p.m.
City Manager Spencer Cronk announced Chacon as APD’s next chief in September. Before that, Chacon was serving as the department’s interim chief following previous chief Brian Manley’s departure in 2020.
His appointment was confirmed by the Austin City Council with a vote of 9-2 on Thursday, Sept. 30. Chacon beat out two other finalists for the position: Los Angeles Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides and Dallas Assistant Police Chief Avery Moore.
During his time as interim chief, Chacon changed APD’s policy for releasing video, created a new training program for the police cadet academy and started a program to address gun violence.
His appointment did not come without pushback. The Austin NAACP, the Austin Justice Coalition and the Austin Police Association all came out in opposition to the decision.
KVUE, in partnership with the Austin American-Statesman, investigated what a modern police force looks like in the Austin community in its recent series "Reforming the Force." The report highlighted APD's current staffing shortages, the department's budget and renewed crime concerns in Austin.
The swearing-in ceremony happened at LifeAustin Mueller. The 167th District Court Judge, Dayna Blazey, administered the Oath of Office.
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