APD interim chief will retire after chief position filled
Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Friday, June 7, 2024.
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After nearly 27 years with the City of Austin, Austin interim Police Chief Robin Henderson said she will not apply for the full-time police chief position. Instead, she will retire once a new police chief is hired, City Manager T.C. Broadnax said in a city memo.
Henderson took over the role of interim chief in August 2023, following the retirement of Chief Joseph Chacon.
Henderson provided the following statement in the memo:
“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as the Interim Chief of Police for the Austin Police Department. This agency is where I have been raised professionally and developed lifelong, meaningful relationships and friendships. I am extremely proud of the work our officers and
Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson
civilian staff perform every single day. You will not find a group of women and men who are more resilient and dedicated to keeping our Austin Community safe. My career has been amazing and the decision to not apply was not an easy one, as serving alongside the women and men of APD is truly an honor and a privilege. Please know it is time for me to take a step back, enjoy time with my family and see what the next chapter in life has in store for me. I appreciate the support of our Austin community and will continue to be a champion for the Austin Police Department.”
Over the years, Henderson accomplished many things, like implementing the first reserve officer program, helping to make the Community Police Academy "more accessible" to the community and helped to close out the final Kroll evaluation of the APD training academy, the memo said.
APD chief hiring
On his first day on the job on May 6, City Manager Broadnax said police leadership and police job stability were at the top of his priority list
Broadnax said his priorities include hiring a permanent police chief and finalizing a new contract between the City and the Austin Police Association.
Last week, the City of Austin released a survey asking for input from community members regarding its search for APD's next chief.
The city said responses to the survey will be collected anonymously.
“The survey, which closes on June 10, allows the public to share their preferences regarding the priorities and characteristics of Austin’s next Chief of Police. It also includes space to provide additional open-ended recommendations,” the city said in a release.