Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia set to retire

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia set to retire from law enforcement

By Kelsey Leffingwell Dallas

UPDATED 4:26 PM CT Sep. 19, 2024 PUBLISHED 2:25 PM CT Sep. 19, 2024 PUBLISHED 2:25 PM CDT Sep. 19, 2024

DALLAS — Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia is set to retire from law enforcement, multiple sources confirmed to Spectrum News.

Austin will be Garcia’s new home as he takes on the role of Assistant City Manager. Austin City Councilor Mackenzie Kelly posted the news on X, formerly known as Twitter.

A busy afternoon of interviews discussing the new Assistant City Manager appointment!

Excited to share insights on this important transition and what it means for Austin's future.

I look forward to working on public safety with Eddie Garcia, our new Assistant City Manager. pic.twitter.com/uvP1kkfUpU
— Mackenzie Kelly (@mkelly007) September 19, 2024

Garcia’s upcoming departure from the Dallas Police Department comes despite a recent agreement for him to continue as police chief in Dallas, despite prior interest from Austin and Houston.

In a May news release, Interim City Manager Kim Tolbert stated Garcia had committed to a plan to remain in Dallas until at least mid-2027.

“This is the right place to complete my service, and I know your police officers are honored to serve Dallas residents. We will keep doing our jobs with excellence and results,” Garcia said in a statement back in May.

Garcia took charge of the Dallas Police Department in Feb. 2021 and has been leading DPD for more than three years.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.