APD Administration

Chief of Police Art Acevedo

Art Acevedo serves as the eighth Police Chief in the 87-year history of the Austin Police Department and is the first Hispanic to lead the City’s police force. With more than two decades of law enforcement experience, he oversees a department that employs approximately 2,200 sworn officers and civilian personnel. With the consolidation of the Austin Police Department and the Austin Public Safety and Emergency Management Department in January 2009, Acevedo is now responsible for all municipal law enforcement in the City of Austin, including Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, parks, and municipal courts.

Chief Acevedo began his professional career in law enforcement with the California Highway Patrol in 1986, bringing a well-established commitment to community outreach and coalition building to Austin. He strives to establish strong community relationships throughout the city with the goal of strengthening the relationship between the people of Austin and their Police Department. Chief Acevedo leads by example with a strong sense of community involvement through his own personal time and resources.

Chief Acevedo has been a leader with the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) for over 20 years. In his NLPOA capacity, he has been a champion for diversity by traveling throughout the United States to assist qualified minorities in law enforcement secure entry-level and promotional opportunities. In addition, he has raised monies to provide scholarships to young people. As NLPOA California State Chapter President, he secured $200,000 in grant funding from State Farm Insurance Company to provide car-seats to families in need. This funding has also been used to assist local NLPOA Chapters.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Acevedo migrated to the United States with his family in 1968 in search of freedom and the opportunities to be found in America. He grew up in California, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree, with departmental honors, in Public Administration from the University of La Verne. He is married to Tanya and is the father of three children, Melissa, Matthew and Jake.

Appointed Austin Police Chief in July 2007, Chief Acevedo believes in the spirit of our community and the commitment to excellence demonstrated by the men and women he leads.