'Shocked by this decision' | City leaders react to former APD chief being hired to oversee department

KVUE
Author: Tony Plohetski, Kelsey Sanchez, John Diaz
Published: 7:50 PM CST January 19, 2024
Updated: 10:16 PM CST January 19, 2024

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin leaders are speaking out against the news that former Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo would be brought back into a new role overseeing APD.

Acevedo, who left Austin to serve as the police chief in Houston and Miami, will no longer work as a law enforcement officer in the interim position. The position also doesn't require Austin City Council approval.

"The biggest reaction, aside from surprise, is how does this make the Austin Police Department stronger and better," Council Member Ryan Alter, who represents a large portion of South Austin, told KVUE. "There were real problems that happened under his watch. To bring him back ... Doesn't honor the victims and the work that had to be done after he left."

Acevedo served as Austin’s police chief from 2007 to 2016 with mixed reactions. He achieved near-celebrity status, appearing on magazine covers and marching in parades and rallies, but also led the department during multiple controversial shootings that critics said showed a lack of cultural shift.

Other city leaders were concerned that the damage between Acevedo and Austinites remains, pointing to failures under his previous leadership.

"I think that trust was broken and has never fully been repaired between Art [Acevedo] and a lot of folks in the community," Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri told KVUE about the hire. "It's a worry of theirs, it's a worry of mine. That's why it's so important to have trust and transparency in any relationship, especially as it relates to the work that we do at City Hall."

During his tenure, Acevedo was criticized for how thousands of rape kits were mishandled when he oversaw APD's now-closed crime lab.

"It was under Acevedo's leadership that we increased our exceptional clearance," Council Member Alison Alter said. "He underfunded victim services and the sex crimes unit. And we have lawsuits that we've been dealing with for many years that came out of time when he was chief. I spent a bunch of time this afternoon talking with survivors and advocates in the sexual assault response community, and they are retraumatized by this announcement.”

Alter also said they should've known more about Acevedo's history before bringing him back.

"I don't believe that Acevedo is going to help us to address these challenges," Alter said. "He is instead going to make us deal with a distraction that is going to make it even more hard to accomplish those goals."

More reactions from city leaders

Michael Bullock, who serves as the Austin Police Association's president, said he believes the new role is a chance for Acevedo to prove he's learned from past issues.

"There's some history about him promoting himself, so this could be an opportunity for him to show that this is a different time," Bullock said. "That he recognizes some of the issues that went on with him when he was here previously. But most important ... that he is here to listen and support [Interim] Chief [Robin] Henderson and not to take over the department."

Council Member Vanessa Fuentes

"I was surprised to learn, just a few hours ago, about Art Acevedo's appointment as Interim Assistant City Manager," Fuentes posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I hope Acevedo understands our community’s commitment to robust police oversight, accountability, and transparency. Council’s objective remains clear: we must secure a fair and sustainable contract for our officers, one that aligns with the values and needs of our City."

Council Member Jose "Chito" Vela III

"I cannot support the hiring of Art Acevedo. There are too many red flags from his previous tenures as police chief, both here and in the other cities he’s served."

Council Member Mackenzie Kelly

"During this critical time in our city, I would like to thank the Interim City Manager for proactively supporting the Austin Police Department. I am optimistic that Art Acevedo, as Interim Assistant City Manager, will bring additional experience, knowledge, and support to the department. I look forward to continued work with Interim Assistant City Manager Mills and his department on vital public safety initiatives.

I've known Acevedo professionally for over a decade, and today, I spoke with him regarding his new role and expectations. I look forward to continuing our professional working relationship in his new role."

Council Member Paige Ellis

Statement from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson

“I favor additional support for our police officers and the Austin Police Department. Art Acevedo brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges facing APD. I’m hopeful he’ll be able to provide needed support for the department and help us to strengthen the relationship between City Hall and APD as well as with the community.”

Acevedo will be paid $271,000 as an interim assistant city manager. He'll supervise APD and serve as a liaison between APD and the city manager’s office. Interim City Manager Jesús Garza said he created the position and hired Acevedo for the job to help lead the department through staffing challenges and continued reform in the aftermath of community demands following the May 2020 protests, among other issues.

Interim APD Chief Robin Henderson will continue in her role. The City has not said when or how it plans to go about naming a permanent chief. Austin is currently in the process of hiring a city manager and is expected to have a new executive in place later this year.