Austin police name interim chief, start national search

Austin police name interim chief, start national search
Austin police officers gathered on Interstate 35 to remove protesters demonstrating against police brutality from the highway in May. Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders have criticized Austin officials' decision to cut police department funding. (Source: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune)
By Associated Press | March 23, 2021 at 12:43 PM CDT - Updated March 23 at 12:43 PM

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Austin’s city manager says a nationwide search for a new police chief is underway.

The announcement Monday follows the retirement of former Austin Police Chief Brian Manley amid a reckoning over racial injustice and use of force in law enforcement.

Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk says Assistant Chief Joseph Chacon has been appointed as interim chief during the search. Cronk says the search for a permanent replacement starts immediately and will include community input.

Cronk said he hopes to appoint a new chief by August.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.