By Joanna Putman
Police1
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin City Council confirmed Lisa Davis as the city’s new police chief in a special meeting on August 6, the Austin-American Statesman reported.
Davis, who currently serves as an assistant chief of police with the Cincinnati Police Department, will become the 11th chief of the Austin Police Department and the second woman to hold the position permanently, according to the report.
City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced Davis’s selection on August 2, choosing her over Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. Broadnax expects Davis to begin her role by early September, according to the report. The City Council unanimously confirmed Davis.
Davis, who attended the meeting, expressed her gratitude and outlined her initial plans. During her first 100 days, she intends to listen to officers and the community to understand their challenges and address them effectively. She emphasized her commitment to being a visible presence both in the department and at public events.
“I want the city of Austin to know that anything I implement, any strategy that is implemented, will be done through the lens that it has to be effective, it has to be equitable, and it has to be ethical,” Davis said.
The police department has been without a permanent chief since former Chief Joe Chacon retired last August. Interim Chief Robin Henderson led the department during this period but did not apply for the permanent role, according to the report.
At a news conference following her confirmation, Henderson praised Davis as a “true community advocate and leader” and advised her to engage with community members to understand the department’s and city’s needs.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Davis has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and has previously been a finalist for police chief positions in Cincinnati and Oakland.
