Lisa Davis named Austin's next chief of police

AUSTIN, Texas — After a thorough search, Austin Police Department has a new chief of police.

Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax named Lisa Davis as the lone finalist for chief of police. She will be the second woman in Austin’s history to hold the position. She will take over from Robin Henderson, who is serving as interim police chief. Henderson is retiring. 

“Collaboration and trust are the foundation of my approach to public safety,” Davis said. “I am honored to be selected as Austin’s Chief of Police and I can’t wait to begin building relationships with our officers, city leaders, and community members so we can work together to ensure Austin is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”

Davis recently was the assistant chief of police for the Cincinnati Police Department, overseeing the homicide, major offenders, narcotics and personal crimes divisions.

“The Chief of Police is a critical position for any city and, as I’ve said since joining the City of Austin in early May, identifying a permanent police chief was a top priority for me,” Broadnax said. “I appreciate the invaluable feedback I’ve received, which has helped inform my decision. I have elected to move Chief Davis forward for confirmation by the City Council as she has a stellar record in her extensive career in law enforcement, and I am confident that she will earn the trust and confidence of our Austin Police officers and our community.”

Davis’s biography says she specializes in using problem-solving and evidence-based policing to address crime and disorder. She created a city-wide problem-solving unit “trained to address crime and disorder in chronically violent locations, reducing overall crime and increasing the quality of life for area residents.”

Davis’s biography additionally states that she is passionate about community policing and developed a special unit to address at-risk population victimization, which includes the LGBTQ+ community.

Davis holds a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University and has received several awards, including the Superior Achievement in Law Enforcement and the Award of Valor.

Her appointment needs City Council’s approval. Mayor Kirk Watson and council members will consider it on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 1 p.m. at a special-called meeting.

Davis was one of two finalists for the position. The other was Jefferey Norman, Milwaukee’s current chief of police.