How Austins next police chief, Lisa Davis, could impact women in police [Video]

AUSTIN (KXAN) — For the first time in more than 20 years, a woman has been chosen for the permanent role of police chief in Austin.

Lisa Davis’ appointment to the position comes at a time when the Austin Police Department, and hundreds of other agencies, are pushing to increase the number of women in police recruit classes, as well as female representation in leadership roles. According to experts, the push could result in more effective policing and safer communities.

BACKGROUND: Austin police chief finalists talk staffing, police oversight, response times

Austin’s first and only other permanent female police chief, Elizabeth Watson, was named in 1992. Around two decades earlier, in 1976, the department accepted women into the academy for the first time.

According to APD, women made up around 11% of the force, as of 2023.

By the end of the year, the department told KXAN female recruitment had …