Austin Police: At the Forefront of Changing Police Culture

Many voices are calling for change in how communities are policed – not just change in policy, but in police culture and practice. The Austin Police Department has been leading the way, beginning with training and policy, but also looking deeply at police culture. Chief Chacon will outline what has already been done, and what lies ahead.

About our Speaker:

Joseph Chacon is the 10th Chief of Police with the Austin Police Department, a role he has served in since April 2021. Prior to his appointment, Chief Chacon served as an Assistant Chief for almost five years, overseeing Patrol, Special Operations, Specialized Patrol, Investigations, Intelligence, Professional Standards and Training/Recruiting. Chief Chacon has served as a police officer for 31 years, and has a wide breadth of experience in almost all areas of police work.

Chief Chacon is a native Texan, born in El Paso Texas where he began his career and family. He is happily married with three daughters and two grandchildren.

Chief Chacon is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington School of Urban and Public Affairs, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He received his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX. He is a graduate of PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police, Texas State University’s Certified Public Manager Program, and MCCA’s Police Executive Leadership Institute.

Notice

For the safety and wellbeing of our members, guests, and TSBVI hosts, masks are required when entering and leaving the building all the way to and from the conference room, and are optional when inside the room itself. TSBVI requests we take this precaution for their students, many of whom are medically fragile.