Austin police chief abruptly resigns, citing contract issues and staff shortages

While the policing crisis in America has been overshadowed by other headlines, the problem continues to spiral out of control, as evidenced this week in Austin, Texas.

According to Fox News, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Chief Joseph Chacon announced his departure from a distinguished career in leading the Austin Police Department.

He noted that his resignation was announced "with a heavy heart."

"This is one of the hardest messages that I’ve ever had to write," the police chief said.

Chacon added, "A few months ago, I began seriously considering retirement and after long conversations with my wife and family, and thoughtful prayer, I have now made the decision that the moment is right to hang it up on a 25-year career with APD."

Fox News noted:

He encouraged everyone to hold their heads up, continue the good fight and honor the profession by keeping the people of Austin safe, and thanked them for "making this one of the safest big cities in the country."

He continued, thanking those who worked for him during his time in the leadership position. He assured the officers still on the force that they're appreciated and supported by the community.

I'm announcing my retirement as the Chief of the @Austin_Police with a heavy heart. I've come to this decision after a lot of thought. It has been an honor to serve this department and this wonderful community, and I know I'm leaving you in good hands. pic.twitter.com/evwBGGEwQr

— Joseph Chacon 👮🏻‍♂️ (@Chief_Chacon) August 21, 2023

Chacon, in his farewell, reported that Chief of Staff Robin Henderson will be named Interim Chief of Police.

For his part, Chacon said he will transition into an advisory role while the department determines how to move forward. His retirement is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

Social media users reacted with warm wishes for his future endeavors, and empathized with what presumably was a very difficult decision in leaving a career he loved and about which he was passionate.

"Sorry to see this issue devolve to this point. You've had an uphill battle for a long time and to think that the once safe city of Austin has been hijacked by people who would rather see harm done than protecting our citizens breaks my heart, Chief. Good luck in your future sir," one X user wrote.

"They don't deserve you. God bless you are your family. Austin had turned into a dumpster fire," another X user wrote.

It's certainly no surprise at this point that Austin, a Democrat-run city, is having the same policing troubles as other Democrat-run cities across the country. It doesn't appear that the situation will improve anytime soon, sadly.