Former police chief Art Acevedo hired for new role with City of Austin

Acevedo most recently served as the police chief for the Aurora Police Department in Colorado.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former police chief Art Acevedo is returning to Austin to work for the City in a new role overseeing and advising the police department, multiple sources confirmed to KXAN Friday.

The City said it plans to hire Acevedo for the role of interim city manager over APD.

There's already an assistant city manager position that oversees all of public safety, but Acevedo's new position will focus specifically on the police department, law enforcement sources said.

In a City memo to the mayor and city council members, Interim City Manager Jesús Garza said Acevedo's role will report directly to him.

It is essential to have a City Management-level resource identified who is dedicated solely to APD. To that end, I am adding an Interim Assistant City Manager position who will report directly to me.

I am pleased to announce that former Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo, known to many here in the City as well as the community from his tenure as Police Chief for nearly 10 years, will be serving in this position.

Garza said in City memo

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said Acevedo's hiring will "strengthen the relationship" between the City and police.

“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,” Watson said in a statement.

Acevedo most recently served as the interim police chief for the Aurora Police Department in Colorado. Earlier this week, Aurora announced Acevedo's plans to leave the department and return to Texas to be closer to family.

Acevedo led the Austin Police Department for nearly 10 years before announcing his departure and relocation to oversee the Houston Police Department. He served in Houston for more than four years before pivoting to Miami. He was later named to the role with the Aurora Police Department in December 2022.

Acevedo's last day with Aurora PD will be Jan. 22.

“This was a difficult decision to make,” Acevedo said in the Aurora PD release. “I am grateful for the unwavering dedication of the exceptional men and women of the Aurora Police Department. Serving as Chief of Police alongside the current leadership team has been an honor. Together, we have achieved significant progress in this remarkable, diverse and welcoming community. I carry with me immense pride in the positive impact we have had. Aurora will forever remain a part of me.”

City Council reacts to Acevedo

"I've known Art Acevedo to be a leader," said District 6 Council Member Mackenzie Kelly. "I've known him to say things that might not be what people want to hear, but what they need to hear. He has always been analytical on the decisions he makes based on facts."

On the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, District 9 Council Member Zo Qadri said his office has already received calls from constituents sharing concerns about Garza's decision to bring Acevedo in.

Paige Ellis, council member for District 8, posted the following message on social media.

I am shocked by this decision, as Acevedo oversaw a department that caused rape kits to go untested for years and entrapped protestors, among other issues. I told Jesus Garza this is a bad call, and I guarantee that if it had come before council it would have a different outcome.

Council Member Paige Ellis, District 8