DALLAS — The news broke earlier today that Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia will be leaving his position in Dallas to become an assistant city manager for the city of Austin.
This comes three months after Garcia signed a new contract with the city of Dallas intended to keep him with the city through at least May 2027.
In a memo from Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax, who was previously Dallas' City Manager and first hired Garcia to his chief position, he said Garcia will oversee Austin's public safety, including the police and fire departments.
With Garcia's departure comes the question, what will come next for Dallas and its police department?
Interim chief
The first thing the city will need to do is appoint an interim police chief, chosen by Interim City Manager Kim Tolbert. This will be who runs the Dallas Police Department as the city searches for someone to take the position full-time.
Launch a search
The city will then launch a nationwide search to choose Garcia's successor. When Garcia was first hired a few years ago, the city conducted a nationwide search. That's how the department found Garcia, who was previously San Jose's police chief.
A search firm will also likely be hired by the city to help narrow down a list of candidates.
Meet with the community
After the firm narrows down candidates to a final list, these candidates will be brought to Dallas to meet with the community, including the City Council, as well as various associations and panels.
The city manager and council members will also make visits to the cities where the candidates are from during the hiring process.
Hire the new chief
Dallas' city manager will be the one to choose the new police chief. However, this may be tricky right now, as Dallas currently has an interim city manager.
Whether Tolbert will hire the new chief, or if the city will wait to hire a full-time city manager to make the hire, is unclear at this point.
