AUSTIN, Texas — The City of Austin has gone with the internal candidate for chief of the Austin Police Department.

City Manager Spencer Cronk on Wednesday named Joseph Chacon, who since March has served as interim chief, as permanent chief.

Chacon replaces Brian Manley, who retired earlier this year.

Chacon served as an assistant chief in the department for nearly five years.

“I want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped us reach this important decision for our community,” Cronk said. “After hearing from so many of you, and following an extensive and rigorous recruitment process, I’m confident Interim Chief Joseph Chacon is the right person to lead our City’s police department to achieve results, build trust and transparency, and accomplish equitable public safety outcomes for all Austin residents and visitors.” 

Chacon’s appointment is still subject to approval by Austin City Council. An item will be placed on the Sept. 30 agenda.

Thursday’s announcement comes following a six-month nationwide search. Some of the candidates included the chief of the Wichita Police Department, an assistant chief with the Los Angeles Police Department and the deputy chief of the Atlanta Police Department.

Chacon’s appointment comes at a difficult time for the department. Violent crime, including homicide, is up in the city, the department has had to do away with some divisions due to budget restraints, and two Austin police officers recently died from COVID-19.

“I am extremely excited and humbled by this amazing opportunity,” Chacon said. “Austin PD is at a critical juncture, and I am honored that the City Manager is showing the trust in me to lead this amazing organization. I will be engaging our department employees and our community to make sure we are moving forward in the best way possible.”