Today, Austin Police Department Chief Joseph Chacon officially notified Interim City Manager Jesús Garza, the Mayor and Council, and his team at APD, of his intent to retire effective the first week of September of this year.  After 25 years with APD, Chief Chacon is ready to focus on potential opportunities for the next chapter in his remarkable career.
 
“Chief Chacon has certainly made an impressive mark on the City with his effort to move the police department in new directions,” said Interim City Manager Jesús Garza.  “We will miss his leadership and dedication but are confident that the team he leaves behind will be able to further the great efforts he started.”
 
“Working at APD has been the privilege of my life,” said APD Police Chief Chacon. “Being the Chief of Police is something that I never thought would have been possible, and it has been the pinnacle of my career.”
 
With Chief Chacon’s announcement, Garza has asked current APD Chief of Staff Robin Henderson to step in as Interim Police Chief effective the first week of September until a search for a permanent chief is completed. Chief Chacon has agreed to stay on to assist with the transition efforts over the next few weeks.
 
“I thank Chief Chacon for serving as our Chief of Police and doing it with professionalism,” said Mayor Kirk Watson. “The role of Chief is not an easy one.  Chief Chacon approached the job with an obvious desire to support his team and to protect our community.”
 
“I really appreciate Chief Chacon’s willingness to assist during this transition period to help set Interim Chief Henderson up for success while also allowing her the opportunity to choose her own leadership team,” continued Garza. “She is passionate about public service, being a servant leader and mentor, and making a positive impact within the Department and the Austin community, which I know she will make evident during her service in this new role.”
 
Among Chief Chacon’s many accomplishments serving as APD’s leader, it’s important to highlight:

• Implementation of the policy to provide a 10-day release on critical incident video.
• The rejoining of the Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT) / Enhancements to the Sexual Assault Investigations Unit.
• Revision of Special Response Team protocols for crowd control, including the prohibition of the use of less lethal shotguns.
• Oversight of implementing the training paradigm shift at APD Training Academy, incorporating many facets, including:
  • Adult Learning Theory
  • Full implementation of updated Integrating Communication and Tactics (ICAT) Training
  • Implementation of Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training
  • A focus on Resilience and Wellness
  • The Addition of courses focused on Racial Equity, De-escalation, History of Race and Policing in Austin.
• The ongoing work with Joyce James Consulting regarding awareness and ultimate elimination of Institutional and Structural Racism.

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About Chief Joseph Chacon:
Joseph Chacon was the 10^th Chief of Police for APD.  Prior to his appointment in April 2021, Chief Chacon served as an Assistant Chief for almost five years, overseeing Patrol, Special Operations, Specialized Patrol, Investigations, Intelligence, Professional Standards and Training/Recruiting.  Chief Chacon has served as a police officer for 31 years and has a wide breadth of experience in almost all areas of police work. 

About Chief Henderson:
Chief Henderson has been with APD for 26 years and was appointed to Chief of Staff (COS) in December 2021.  As COS, Chief Henderson has been overseeing APD operations which includes a workforce of approximately 2,500 Sworn and Civilian personnel. Prior to her appointment to COS, Chief Henderson served in various assignments including: Executive Lieutenant, Patrol Lieutenant, Cadet Training, Field Training, Internal Affairs, Person and Property Investigations, Street Response, and Patrol.

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