APD Chief Lisa Davis shuts down rumors about returning to Cincinnati

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Rumors about "concerns" have been circulating in Central Texas about whether Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis was considering a return to her hometown of Cincinnati. Cincinnati's current Police Chief Teresa Theetge is on administrative leave.

Tuesday, local Austin attorney Adam Loewy posted on X "Hearing that City Hall is very concerned that Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis is going to head back to Cincinnati to take over this PD," followed with #txlege.

However, Chief Davis confirmed there is no need for concern and she's here to stay.

"My thoughts are with the city of Cincinnati, but my focus and my heart are here in Austin. We have done some great work here and I look forward to continuing that work. I wish Cincinnati the very best," Chief Davis told KXAN.

Chief Davis was sworn in as the second woman in Austin’s history to serve as permanent Chief of Police a year ago this month.

Prior to coming to Austin, Chief Davis spent 30 years with the Cincinnati Police Department and became their assistant chief of police in 2019.

“Collaboration and trust are the foundation of my approach to public safety,” Davis previously said in an interview when she was selected. “I am honored to be selected as Austin’s Chief of Police and I can’t wait to begin building relationships with our officers, city leaders, and community members so we can work together to ensure Austin is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”