According to law enforcement sources, there is a potential candidate being considered for the role of Houston Police Chief following the retirement of Chief Troy Finner and the appointment of Larry Satterwhite as the acting chief.
There are multiple sources indicating that the city is considering Dallas Police Chief Edgardo “Eddie” Garcia as a potential candidate for the position.
With 32 years of experience in law enforcement, Garcia assumed the position of chief in Dallas in 2021.
According to the Dallas Police Department website, Garcia holds the distinction of being the first Latino to serve in this position in the department’s 140-year history. Originally hailing from Puerto Rico, Garcia brings with him 29 years of experience from the San Jose Police Department before joining the Dallas force.
In response to the growing interest in Garcia from various cities in Texas, Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, the interim city manager of Dallas, has issued a statement. Although she did not explicitly mention Houston, she conveyed a clear message, urging those cities to reconsider and stay in their own communities.
KPRC 2 Investigates has mentioned other officials from the Austin and Waco areas who have also been considered as potential candidates, not just Garcia.
Mayor John Whitmire stated in an interview with KPRC 2 on Wednesday that he is currently considering whether to hire a chief from within the department or externally.
Here is the full statement from Dallas Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert:
“It’s no surprise that other Texas cities are expressing interest in Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia. He has been the key leader who has delivered a lower crime rate to Dallas, and he has helped increase police morale while boosting residents’ confidence in the direction of the department.
Obviously, City Council members and I want to keep him in Dallas doing a good job. It will take flexibility, creativity with a hefty dose of accountability to accomplish that, but we are working tirelessly to develop solutions. I believe Chief Gracia wants to remain here.
To the cities shopping in Dallas for a new chief, I have one message for you: ‘turn around and go back home.’ In the meantime, I will keep the City Council and the public informed about the progress on these issues.”
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