Austin Names Lone Finalist For Austin Police Chief Position

Manley joined the Austin Police Department in 1990; as Interim Police Chief, he leads a department of 1900 sworn officers and over 700 civilian support personnel.

By, staff

One month after a string of serial bombings in Austin, the city of Austin has announced Interim Police Chief Brian Manley will be the lone finalist in the city’s search for a new police chief.

Manley has been interim police chief since former Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo announced his departure from the city. Police Chief Acevedo left to become San Antonio’s Police Chief in November 2016.

Manley joined the Austin Police Department in 1990; as Interim Police Chief, he leads a department of 1900 sworn officers and over 700 civilian support personnel.

In March, he led the investigation alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of the serial bombings in Austin.

Manley has received support from members of the community and several Austin City Council members for his appointment as permanent police chief in the aftermath of the serial bombings.

Austin City Manager, Spencer Cronk will hold a press conference at Austin City Hall at 3:30 p.m. today to announce plans for a robust engagement process to give Interim Chief Manley the opportunity to set out his vision for leading and transforming public safety in Austin.

At the end of this period, Cronk will decide whether or not it will be necessary to widen the pool of candidates through a national search.

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with members of the community about the appointment of a permanent Police Chief, including meetings with a number of community leaders,” said Cronk. “Guided by those conversations, along with my own observations and feedback from Council, I feel that the best path forward is to provide Interim Chief Brian Manley with an opportunity to fully share his vision for the department and engage with the community as our candidate for permanent appointment.

The information gathered will be used to help inform the interview process, and to provide the City Manager with feedback about the community’s public safety priorities. 
 
There will also be two open community forums with Interim Chief Manley, co-hosted by the City of Austin and KLRU-TV:

• Monday, May 7, 6-7:30 p.m. – Turner-Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Loop Dr., 78724
• Thursday, May 17, 7-8:30 p.m. – KLRU Studio, 2504 Whitis Ave. B, 78712

All meetings will be either broadcast live or via streaming video on Facebook Live.
 
“I want this process to be open and transparent,” said Cronk. “I am confident that by taking some additional time, Austin will benefit in the long run and we will get the very best candidate for the job.”