Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax on Friday announced he has selected Lisa Davis, Assistant Chief with the Cincinnati Police Department, to be the City of Austin’s new Chief of Police. The appointment requires City Council approval and Mayor Kirk Watson and Council Members will consider it on Tuesday, August 6, at a special-called meeting for 1 p.m.
“The Chief of Police is a critical position for any city and, as I’ve said since joining the City of Austin in early May, identifying a permanent police chief was a top priority for me,” Broadnax said. “I appreciate the invaluable feedback I’ve received, which has helped inform my decision. I have elected to move Chief Davis forward for confirmation by the City Council as she has a stellar record in her extensive career in law enforcement, and I am confident that she will earn the trust and confidence of our Austin Police officers and our community.”
Chief Davis’s career spans more than three decades with the Cincinnati Police Department.
“Collaboration and trust are the foundation of my approach to public safety,” Davis said. “I am honored to be selected as Austin’s Chief of Police and I can’t wait to begin building relationships with our officers, city leaders, and community members so we can work together to ensure Austin is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
Broadnax made his selection following several rounds of interviews with the two finalists, including community panels. Finalists also participated in a public meet-and-greet event where they answered questions submitted by community members and laid out their leadership vision. Austinites had the opportunity to talk with each candidate and submit feedback surveys following the event.