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.
The Oakland Police union leadership cited violent crime and police staffing shortages as reasons for the need for new leadership
The video shows the driver swerving to hit a person riding a bicycle on the side of the road
“We applaud Officer Sech for his bravery and quick response, which undoubtedly saved a young life,” said Gary Hannagan, deputy police chief of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
Officer Fernando Arroyos was off-duty and searching for a house with his girlfriend when they were attacked by gang members during an armed robbery on January 10, 2022.
Davis, who currently serves as deputy chief of police at the Cincinnati Police Department, will become the 11th chief of the Austin Police Department and the second woman to permanently hold the position, according to the report.
City Manager TC Broadnax announced Davis’ selection on Aug. 2, choosing her over Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. Broadnax expects Davis to take office in early September, the report said. 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 maintaining a visible presence both in the department and at public events.
“I want the city of Austin to know that everything I implement, every strategy I implement, is done with the understanding that it has to be effective, fair and ethical,” Davis said.
The police department has been without a permanent chief since former Police Chief Joe Chacon retired last August. Interim Chief Robin Henderson led the department during that time but did not apply for the permanent position, the report said.
At a press 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 needs of the department and the city.
Davis is a U.S. Navy veteran with more than 30 years of law enforcement experience and has previously been a finalist for police chief positions in Cincinnati and Oakland.
