The Austin City Council voted unanimously to name Robin Henderson as interim chief of the Austin Police Department (APD) on Aug. 31, a City of Austin press release said. Henderson, who has been with the department for more than a quarter of a century, took over for the retired Joseph Chacon, the release said.
“Chief Henderson is an experienced, respected veteran of the Austin Police Department with a passion for public service and making a positive impact on the community,” interim City Manager Jesús Garza said in the release. “She is a true servant leader, and I am confident she will do an excellent job leading the department during this time of transition.”
Henderson moved up from her previous position as chief of staff, in which she supervised all APD operations and several specialized units, including peer support, the Counter Attack Strike Team (CAST) and the Executive Protection Unit (EPU), the city release said. Henderson worked on other assignments during her lengthy career with the department.
Austin NBC affiliate KXAN Channel 36 reported that Henderson will head the agency while the city finishes its search for a permanent chief.