Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon had notified the city he is retiring next month.

“After 25 years with APD, Chief Chacon is ready to focus on potential opportunities for the next chapter in his remarkable career,” the city said in a press release.

“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 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,” Garza said. “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:

• The ongoing work with Joyce James Consulting regarding awareness and ultimate elimination of Institutional and Structural Racism.