AUSTIN, Texas – There is only one name left as the finalist for the permanent police chief of the Austin Police Department.

Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk named interim Chief Brian Manley as the only person still up for the role. At a press conference Monday afternoon, Cronk announced Manley as the finalist to deliver his vision for public safety in the city.

Cronk will still have the option to widen the search pool for candidates if he deems it necessary.

"By all accounts Manley has performed admirably over the last 18 months, and he embodies several of the key characteristics that I am looking for in my executive appointment,” said Cronk.

Following Manley’s swift response to the Austin bombings, a City Council member called for his permanent appointment. Council member Delia Garza wrote that Manley's efforts to instill a sense of safety among the people of Austin warrant him permanent appointment to the position. 

Cronk announced a month-long community engagement process for people to share what they expect from Austin's chief of police.

"I think it'll be important for each member of our community that wants to, to impress upon chief what’s important to them. He can stitch together a better understanding, as if he doesn't already have it, of our community,” said David Roche, Greater Austin Crime Commission

Cronk said some characteristics he is looking for include a focus on partnership, commitment to the community and positive views toward the future. Manley is a homegrown product, attending high school in Austin, studying at the University of Texas, receiving his masters from St. Edward's University, and starting his law enforcement career as a patrol officer with Austin Police 28 years ago.

"Getting to serve as the chief in a community that I've grown up with, that I call my home, with men and women I consider my family, really has been a tremendous opportunity," said Manley.

After working alongside Austin's former police chief Art Acevedo for nearly a decade, Manley said he's learned a thing or two about the position.

"Probably the greatest value that I learned from him is the importance of community," said Manley. "The importance of working with your community, of being a part of you community, of bringing the community into policing so that we are all working together."

Interim Chief Manley will unveil his vision for the city's safety during two community forums coming up.

• Next Monday at the Turner-Roberts Recreation Center in East Austin, starting at 6 p.m.
• May 17 at KLRU Studios on Whitis Avenue at 7 p.m.

Community members can share their thoughts about the key characteristics and areas of focus a new Chief of Police should have using a number of options: