Austin Police Chief Announces Plans For Retirement

Staff Reports

Austin Police Chief Brian Manley announced retirement intentions after 30 years with the Austin Police Department Friday.

Manley joined Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk for a press conference at 11 AM to provide remarks on his three-decade-long career and his decision to leave.

In a letter to the city manager on Feb. 1, Manley said, “As most things in life come to an end at some point, my career with APD will do so as well with my retirement on March 28, 2021. It is impossible to put into words what this career has meant to me and the opportunities and experiences it has provided along the way.”

In May 2018, Manley was officially hired and confirmed by the Austin City Council as the new police chief after having served as the city’s interim chief during the Austin Bombings.

Over the last year, he has faced heavy scrutiny and criticism in the aftermath of the Austin Protects of the deaths of George Floyd and Mike Ramos at the hands of police.

“It’s hard to step away from a department that you love and a community that you’ve served for thirty years,” Manley said. “But it is not a decision I made lightly. I am grateful I’ve had this opportunity.”  

Manley said he knows this is the time for him to move, but he doesn’t know what is next for him, or whether he’ll stay in the private or public sector. 

Cronk noted he will be pursuing a national search for the city’s next police chief.

In the meantime, Cronk will select a potential interim police chief to take over upon Manley’s departure for the Austin City Council to consider.