What you need to know
The candidates will be available for a public meet-and-greet event on July 23 at the Palmer Event Center, 900 Barton Springs Road. Doors open to the public at 5:30 p.m., and there will be free parking available in the neighboring parking garage.
Those unable to attend can stream the event live on www.austintexas.gov/atxn.
As part of the event and interview process, community members are invited to submit questions that may be included during a moderated discussion. Those interested can submit their questions to Speak Up Austin, or by calling 311 or 512-974-2000.
Submissions will be accepted until midnight July 19.
The framework
Austin has been without a permanent police chief since Joseph Chacon stepped down from the post last September. Robin Henderson, Chacon's former chief of staff, has led the APD as its interim chief since then.
City Manager T.C. Broadnax listed the selection of a new chief as an important priority, underscoring his commitment for public safety.
“The search for a permanent chief of police was at the top of my priority list when I came on as Austin City Manager in May,” Broadnax said in a statement. “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.”
After reviewing 32 applicants, Broadnax announced the following two for consideration:
- Lisa Davis, assistant police chief, Cincinnati Police Department
- Jefferey B. Norman, chief of police, Milwaukee Police Department
About the candidates
Since beginning her career in 1992, Davis has focused on fostering community relationships, and employing problem-solving and evidence-based policing to tackle crime and disorder, according to a news release from the city.
“Being transparent and approachable, having integrity in all I do, and being honest and collaborative are foundations in my career and life,” Davis wrote in a letter to the city manager June 8. “... I understand the challenges of policing today. We need police responses that promote crime reductions that are sustainable, guided by research that strengthen communities, while increasing police legitimacy and trust.”
Norman began his policing career in 1996, appointed as an officer to the Milwaukee Police Department. Throughout his various roles and promotions, he remained devoted to community engagement, according to a news release from the city.
“I have always understood the biggest challenge a police agency must deal with is earning and maintaining trust with the community.” Norman wrote in a letter to the city manager June 9, “Community engagement is the foundation I use for building and restoring trust with all parts of our community, for all my policing strategies and for boosting officer morale. ... I often joke, I eat community engagement for breakfast, lunch, dinner and sometimes for dessert.”
