Austin names two finalists to be city's next police chief

AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The search for Austin's next police chief has been narrowed down to two finalists.

City Manager T.C. Broadnax made the announcement Tuesday afternoon.

“The search for a permanent Chief of Police was at the top of my priority list when I came on as Austin City Manager in May,” Broadnax said. “I am confident we have identified the best candidates that will enable us to select an exemplary, experienced leader to guide the dedicated men and women of the Austin Police Department while continuing to collaborate and build trust with the community.”

The two finalists are Lisa Davis, currently the assistant police chief of the Cincinnati Police Department, and Jefferey B. Norman, currently the chief of police for the Milwaukee Police Department.

32 people applied for the chief's position, which has been open since Joseph Chacon retired last September. Current interim chief Robin Henderson declined to apply for the job, saying she intends to retire from the department after a transition period working with the newly hired chief.

The two candidates will participate in a meet-and-greet event next Tuesday at the Palmer Event Center. That event will get underway at 6 p.m., with a discussion moderated by longtime Austin news anchor Judy Maggio. The public will also have an opportunity to interact with the candidates following the program.

Broadnax says he hopes to present a finalist to the City Council for consideration and approval on July 30.