DENTON, Texas — The City of Denton announced Jessica Robledo will be the permanent Chief of Police, after serving as the interim chief of police for the past five months.

Robledo has served as the Denton Police Department’s Interim Chief of Police since April 16. She brings 16 years of executive and supervisory experience to the Denton Police Department.

“As we continue our work in creating a safer community, Chief Robledo has the relationships and leadership to successfully lead our police force,” says City Manager Sara Hensley. “We are confident that she will continue to lead with the same dedication and integrity that has marked her tenure as Interim Chief. She truly values and respects the profession, her staff and our community, and I know that we will be able to work together to stand up for and protect Denton’s values.”

Robledo brings a combined 34 years of servant leadership in public safety, including 30 years of service with the Austin Police Department, where she retired as an Assistant Police Chief, and four years as the Chief of Police for the City of Pflugerville.

Robledo previously served as the executive chair of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and vice president of Law Enforcement Executives of Central Texas and holds memberships with regional, state and national professional organizations.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in physical education from Angelo State University. She is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police, and the Leadership Development Program at the Major Cities Chiefs Association’s Police Executive Leadership Institute.

Community members are invited to meet Robledo and officers at the inaugural Denton Police Chief’s Run from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13. The 1-mile run, which celebrates the department’s 20th Training Academy class graduation, will take place at Quakertown Park following a brief welcome at the Civic Center at 321 E. McKinney St.