(Photo:KLBJ 590am/99.7fm/Jon Cooley)
Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk makes it official. Brian Manley will be the permanent Chief of Austin Police.
Noting that Manley is an Austin native and has spent his whole career with APD, Austin Police Association President Ken Casaday is pleased with the announcement. “We’re proud of Chief Manley…even though we don’t always agree on everything, he’s very fair and he listens.”
After two administrations from California, Casaday is thrilled to have someone from Austin in the top spot.
Manley’s previous boss Chief Art Acevedo of the Houston Police Department congratulated his protege for getting the nod to be Chief of Austin Police, calling Manley Progressive pragmatic and believes he will do a great job for the people and police of Austin.
Acevedo urges Manley to continue to keep learning and keep moving forward and keep the department from stagnating.
After learning about the City Manager’s decision Manley said its been about 40 years since APD’s Chief came from within and called it a sign of the department’s growth and improvement, thanking the officers and civilian staff who have brought the department this far.
Cronk reported after a few public Q&As with Manley and lots of positive public support, he feels safe about taking Interim off Manley’s title. But with his recommendation come expectations as well. Cronk wants to see APD improve in safety, community policing and transparency, staffing training and equity and inclusion.
Cronk said he wants Austin City Council to give their final approval on Manley Thursday, June 14th.
