AUSTIN (KXAN) — After a months-long process, the City of Austin has selected Lisa Davis, the current assistant chief of the Cincinnati Police Department, to be its next police chief.
“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.”
The mayor and city council will vote to approve the pick at a special called meeting on Tuesday, August 6.
The Austin Police Womens Association and Austin Police Association also reacted to the selection.
“The Austin Police Womens 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 Womens 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
After more than 30 people applied for the position, the City of Austin boiled it down to two candidates, including Davis. The other finalist was Jeffrey Norman, the chief of the Milwaukee Police Department.
Davis will take over from Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson, formerly APD’s chief of staff, who assumed the role when former chief Joseph Chacon retired last year. Henderson will retire once the transition is complete.
Who is Davis?
Davis currently serves as an assistant chief over Cincinnati PD’s investigations bureau.
According to her LinkedIn profile, she has served as Cincinnati’s assistant chief since 2019, and has worked at the department for roughly 30 years.
“She created a city-wide problem-solving unit trained to address crime and disorder in chronically violent locations, reducing overall crime and increasing the quality of life for area residents,” according to information provided about the candidates sent in an internal memo to the mayor’s office and city council.
She was also recently in the running for chief positions in Toledo, Ohio and Oakland, Calif., according to various news outlets.
“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,” Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax said.
Both finalists for the role interviewed with members of Austin media last week. You can watch Davis’ full interview here.