Austin leaders, organizations react to city's pick for APD chief
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Austin has chosen its next police chief, pending approval from the mayor and city council during a special meeting they have scheduled for Aug. 6.
After more than 30 people applied for the position, the city boiled it down to two candidates: Lisa Davis and Jeffrey Norman, and ultimately chose Davis.
Davis is currently the assistant chief of the Cincinnati Police Department and also serves as an assistant chief over the department's investigations bureau. Norman is the chief of the Milwaukee Police Department.
Davis will be the second woman in Austin’s history to hold the permanent chief role, according to the city.
“Collaboration and trust are the foundation of my approach to public safety,” Davis said. “I am honored to be selected as Austin’s Chief of Police and I can’t wait to begin building relationships with our officers, city leaders, and community members so we can work together to ensure Austin is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
City leaders and organizations have issued reactions in response to the city's choice. Below are those statements.
City Manager T.C. Broadnax
“The Chief of Police is a critical position for any city and, as I’ve said since joining the City of Austin in early May, identifying a permanent police chief was a top priority for me,” Broadnax said. “I appreciate the invaluable feedback I’ve received, which has helped inform my decision. I have elected to move Chief Davis forward for confirmation by the City Council as she has a stellar record in her extensive career in law enforcement, and I am confident that she will earn the trust and confidence of our Austin Police officers and our community.”
T.C. Broadnax
Austin Police Women's Association
“The Austin Police Women's Association is thrilled at the selection of Lisa Davis for the next Chief of Police for the Austin Police Department. We are excited to help support Chief Davis as she brings fresh ideas, energy and a commitment to serving our community. Throughout the hiring process she has been accessible, engaging and thoughtful about the challenges that exist in policing in Austin, Texas. Our membership is excited to join Chief Davis in the hard work ahead to make our community safer and ensure a better quality of life for APD officers.”
Sgt. Melanie Rodriguez
President of the Austin Police Women's Association
The Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association (LGPOA)
The Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association, (LGPOA), recently learned Austin City Manager Broadnax selected Cincinnati Assistant Chief Lisa Davis as his choice to be the next permanent Police Chief of Austin. We are encouraged by his selection as we feel she is better suited to represent the diversity that is Austin. We had expressed serious concerns to city management about Chief Norman and his lack of engagement and support of our community. We are thankful those concerns were heard and evaluated by the City Manager. Should City Council confirm her appointment, we look forward to working with Chief Davis in continuing to provide the level of service, dedication, and excellence the diverse citizens of Austin demand and deserve.
Sergeant Michael Wilmore-Crumrine
President - Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association
Austin Police Association
“This has been a tough search, but I want to thank City Manager Broadnax for making sure he did his due diligence to make the best selection possible. It was no easy task, especially to recognize when more time is needed to make the best decision. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with Chief Davis and I’m looking forward to working with her to make sure we are doing everything we can to take care of the men and women who keep this city safe. Our job is to take care of the officers, who then take care of our city.”
Austin Police Association
More information about Davis' career background can be found on the City of Austin's website.
KXAN will continue updating this story as we receive more statements.