Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia to depart for assistant city manager role in Austin

DALLAS — Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia plans to leave his position before his agreement with the city ends in May 2027, starting a new city management role in Austin before the end of the year.

A memo from Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax says Garcia will begin as assistant city manager overseeing public safety on Nov. 4.

In a statement, Garcia said he had decided to make the difficult decision to retire from his career in law enforcement.

"This has not been an easy choice, as my time in service has been deeply meaningful and fulfilling," Garcia said. "... Deciding to step away from this profession has been one of the most challenging decisions of my life. Law enforcement has shaped who I am, providing me with a strong sense of purpose, responsibility, and camaraderie."

Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson and interim Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert released a joint statement praising Garcia for his efforts.

"We are immensely grateful to Chief Garcia for his dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the safety of our residents," the joint statement said. "While we are sorry to see him go, we also know that big city police chiefs never stick around forever. We are fortunate to have had a capable, committed, experienced, and innovative police chief these last three and a half years. We wish him the best of luck on his next journey."

Dallas City Councilwoman Paula Blackmon lauded Garcia as an "incredible changemaker," emphasizing that his departure represents a "tremendous loss" for the city.

" Known on the national stage for his innovative and data-driven approach to public safety and is respected by his rank and file as well as all of our communities throughout Dallas," Blackmon said.

Meanwhile, Broadnax — the former Dallas city manager — released a statement touting Garcia's success.

"His extensive experience and deep commitment to the communities he serves makes him the ideal leader to join my executive team," Broadnax said. "I am confident that under his leadership, our public safety efforts will continue to thrive and evolve to meet the needs of our growing city."

An Austin council member shared Broadnax's excitement about Garcia's arrival.

"I'm excited to welcome Chief Garcia to Austin!" Austin City Council member Ryan Alert said in a statement. "He has an impressive track record of innovation and building trust between the community and the police, and I look forward to working together with him and Chief Davis to continue to make our community safer and more equitable for everyone."

In spring, there was speculation about other Texas cities wanting Garcia as their chief of police.

CBS News Texas previously reported that Houston was courting Garcia to take over its police department after the departure of its chief.

In an interview with CBS News Texas earlier this year, Garcia shared that Dallas would be his last go around as a police chief.

Born in Puerto Rico, Garcia was appointed to the position in 2021 and is the first Latino to serve as Dallas police chief in the department's 140-year history, according to the DPD website .