Overview

• Garcia was formally welcomed at a Friday morning news conference where former Chief Neil Noakes helped pass the torch.
• He was selected Thursday by City Manager Jay Chapa after a national search that drew more than 50 applicants.
• Garcia prevailed over finalists Interim Chief Robert Alldredge Jr. and former Dallas Deputy Chief Vernon Hale.
• He previously led Dallas police from 2021 to 2024 before serving as Austin’s assistant city manager over public safety, and earlier was San Jose’s chief.
• Questions about a late application surfaced during the process, which Chapa addressed by saying there was no hard deadline or special treatment.