Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon released a statement that he is stepping down.
Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon will step down from his position and retire from the department, the KVUE Defenders have learned. [The chief also tweeted a statement.]
Interim City Manager Jesús Garza will appoint Chacon's chief of staff, Robin Henderson, to serve in the position until what is expected to be a months-long national search is performed. It is unclear whether Henderson will seek the permanent job.
It is also not immediately clear when Chacon will vacate his position, but he likely will depart by early September.
Chacon, 55, has been Austin's top police leader for two years, taking over the department at a time of turmoil following the social justice protests of May 2020 and an ongoing community debate about policing.
The actions of officers – primarily involving the use of what police call "less lethal shotguns" with bean bag rounds as ammunition – resulted in the indictments of 19 officers, most of which are pending. The city also settled multiple lawsuits against injured protesters for nearly $19 million.
Chacon also has served as chief during a turbulent period both inside the department and on the street.
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Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.
