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Chief of Staff Brian Manley Named as Interim APD Chief

Audrey McGlinchy
/
KUT

Following the announcement of Chief Art Acevedo's retirement, Austin Police Department Chief of Staff Brian Manley has been named as interim police chief. Manley's assignment will take affect Dec. 1.

“I’m not going to be Art Acevedo. I can’t be Art Acevedo,” said Manley.“He is just a personality that is bigger than life itself.”

Interim City Manager Elaine Hart announced Manley’s appointment Friday. Thus begins a national search for a permanent replacement for Acevedo. It could be a lengthy process. The search to replace former APD Chief Stan Knee took a year. Hart said Thursday she will recommend that the Austin City Council name a permanent city manager before a permanent chief.

Mayor Steve Adler chimed in on the appointment.

"Brian Manley is a strong, knowledgeable leader," he said in a statement. "I’ve been with him many times and have seen first-hand his commitment to our community and to building relationships. He understands our challenges we face and is ready to lead."

The announcement came after an emotional statement by Acevedo on his leaving and the near-decade he spent as APD Chief. He struggled to speak between tears.

"It's hard to say goodbye. I love my cops. And I'm going to miss them," he said, as a dozen of his commanders jumped up to join him at the podium.

Audrey McGlinchy is KUT's housing reporter. She focuses on affordable housing solutions, renters’ rights and the battles over zoning. Got a tip? Email her at audrey@kut.org. Follow her on Twitter @AKMcGlinchy.
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