The race to appoint the Austin Police Department's new chief has boiled down to two candidates, as revealed by the Austin city manager's office. With the shortlist announced, Lisa Davis of the Cincinnati Police Department and Milwaukee Police Department's Chief Jeffrey Norman are vying for the top law enforcement position in the Texas capital, as reported by the Austin American Statesman. Both individuals have extensive law enforcement backgrounds, bringing years of service and leadership to the table.
Davis, after serving in the U.S. Navy, joined the Cincinnati Police in 1992, rapidly working her way up the ranks. She became a finalist for the Cincinnati Police Department's top job last year. Norman, with the Milwaukee forces since 1996, took on the police chief role in 2021, bringing high-profile attention to Milwaukee amid safety concerns at a national political convention following the assassination attempt of a former President. According to the Austin American Statesman, there was a total of 32 applicants for the position, which has been without a permanent chief since last September.
As per Austin American Statesman, recently appointed city manager T.C. Broadnax expressed his confidence in the selection, stating, “I am confident we have identified the best candidates that will enable us to select an exemplary, experienced leader to guide the dedicated men and women of the Austin Police Department while continuing to collaborate and build trust with the community.”
Meanwhile, community reactions are mixed, with some voices calling for a broader selection of finalists. Equity Action's senior advisor Kathy Mitchell, in an interview with KXAN, aired concerns about the narrowed field. "There should be a larger list of finalists at this point,” she argued, worried that experienced candidates may have been overlooked.
The finalists are scheduled to engage with the Austin community at a meet-and-greet on July 23, with the event being a chance for public interaction and inquiry into the candidates' visions and strategies. As detailed by Austin American Statesman, a recommendation will be presented to the City Council by July 30 for approval.
