Art Acevedo Abandons Austin Liaison Role, Citing Political Obstacles
Former Aurora Police Chief Withdraws from Austin Position
In a surprising twist of events, Art Acevedo, the former chief of the Aurora Police Department, has announced his decision to withdraw from the liaison role he had previously accepted with the city of Austin. This announcement comes just days after his official departure from the Aurora Police Department, where he served as chief until his successor, Heather Morris, was sworn in on Monday.
Acevedo’s Initial Plans and Subsequent Reversal
Initially, Acevedo had intended to assume a position in Austin as a liaison between the city manager’s office and the Austin Police Department. This role was seen as a continuation of his long and distinguished career in law enforcement, having previously served as chief of the Austin Police Department from 2007 to 2016, the Houston Police Department from 2016 to 2021, and briefly as chief of the Miami Police Department in 2021. However, in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Acevedo revealed that he would no longer be taking up the Austin liaison position.
Reasons Behind the Withdrawal
Acevedo’s decision to withdraw from the Austin role stems from his concerns about political interference and power struggles within the city. In his statement, he expressed his disappointment that “politics and power struggles have hindered our efforts to create real positive improvements for the people of this city.” He emphasized his commitment to prioritizing the interests of the Austin Police Department’s officers and the community they serve, leading to his difficult decision to decline the position.
Acevedo’s Statement on X
In his statement on X, Acevedo elaborated on his reasons for withdrawing from the Austin liaison role:
“I firmly believe that if we are to build a future together, we cannot afford to blame others and point fingers. This mentality has caused us to take a step back instead of building a better path forward together. That is why I have informed (Austin) Interim City Manager (Jesús) Garza that I cannot accept this position and will pursue other opportunities.”
Acevedo’s Legal Battle with the City of Miami
Acevedo’s withdrawal from the Austin position comes amidst his ongoing legal battle with the city of Miami. In 2021, he was fired from his role as chief of the Miami Police Department after a brief and tumultuous tenure. Acevedo has since filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that his termination was politically motivated and violated his constitutional rights. The outcome of this legal battle remains uncertain.
While Acevedo has declined the Austin liaison position, he has indicated that he will pursue other opportunities. His extensive experience and reputation as a respected law enforcement leader suggest that he will likely continue to seek roles where he can make a positive impact on public safety and community relations.
Art Acevedo’s decision to withdraw from the Austin liaison role highlights the challenges that law enforcement leaders face in navigating political complexities and power dynamics. His commitment to prioritizing the interests of the police force and the community he served ultimately led him to decline the position. As Acevedo pursues other opportunities, it remains to be seen where his career path will take him next.