AUSTIN, Texas — The city of Austin wants to hear from the community as it continues its national search for the next chief of the Austin Police Department.
A survey, available in both English and Spanish, allows the public to share what they hope to see in the next chief of police. It also includes space to provide other open-ended recommendations.
The chief position was posted on May 15 and will remain open until June 10. The survey will also remain open until June 10.
The city said it aims to have candidates identified shortly after the position closes and to quickly begin the interview process. Interview panels will include city leadership, law enforcement personnel and community members, and a meet-and-greet community event with the finalists will also be scheduled.
The finalist for the position will be selected by new City Manager T.C. Broadnax and presented to Mayor Kirk Watson and the city council for confirmation.
What is the city looking for in a chief?
The city is working with Mosaic Public Partners to look for candidates nationally.
According to the job listing, Austin's next police chief will report to an assistant city manager and will be accountable for the day-to-day operations of the department, including policies and procedures. According to the posting, the chief's executive leadership team includes a chief of staff and five assistant chiefs of police.
The city is looking for a candidate with at least a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public or business administration, or a related field. They must also have at least 10 years of "progressively responsible work in police administration," with at least five years as a "bona fide law enforcement officer."
The posting states that the most competitive candidates will have direct experience as a police chief in a large city with "issues that are similarly complex to those in Austin." They will also have the ability to forge relationships with Austin's many diverse communities and should have a "sound understanding of the history of institutional racism in policing" and work to provide public safety services equitably while also advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion, including within APD.
Top candidates for the chief position will also have experience working to build "strong and healthy labor-management relationships" and will take advantage of Austin's "innovative and progressive spirit and strive to set APD as the national leader in public safety."
Candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé no later than June 10.
The posting does not list a salary for the next police chief but says it will be competitive. The police department's last permanent chief, Joseph Chacon, earned about $250,000 in the role.
City Manager T.C. Broadnax has said hiring a permanent chief is one of his first priorities in office.
"I need someone, and want someone, who's had experience in the seat. I can't tell you how long that needs to be, but I'll know it when I see it and meet them," Broadnax told KVUE Political Director Ashley Goudeau in a one-on-one interview. "They have to have 'muscle memory,' as I refer to it, meaning there shouldn't be a situation – particularly at a large city scale – that they may not have already had experience in dealing with. So that when in fact something does happen, they're going to have the presence and the understanding to be able to work through it."
Broadnax also said it's important that the next chief is able to communicate effectively with the public, as well as officers within the police department.