Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk has appointed Brian Manley Chief of the Austin Police Department. The appointment requires City Council confirmation.
Cronk held a press conference at Austin City Hall on June 8th to announce the appointment.
“I received an incredible amount of feedback from the community and it was informative in my decision-making process,” Cronk said. “Brian Manley has been an extraordinary public servant, dedicating 28 years of his life to Austin and protecting its citizens. I strongly believe there is no better candidate to serve our community and lead our police force.”
Manley was appointed Interim Chief of the Austin Police Department in December 2016 and has served his entire law enforcement career – spanning almost three decades – with APD. He was named Chief of Staff in January 2015 after serving as an Assistant Chief for three years.
Over the past month Chief Manley participated in two televised town halls and met with various public safety stakeholders. The City of Austin hired GovHR USA to compile a report of all of the public feedback and facilitate interview panels.
“As part of the interview and public engagement process, themes emerged on areas for improvement for the Austin Police Department,” said Cronk. “I have asked that Chief Manley focus on five key areas including safety, community policing and transparency, staffing, training, and equity and inclusion.”
An item was placed on the June 14 City Council agenda to confirm the appointment as required by state law.
Judge Cliff Brown administrated the oath of office as Chief Manley placed his hand on a bible.