New Chief of Police for Dallas

Recently retired San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia has been named the new Dallas police chief.

Before becoming chief, Garcia worked as a homicide investigator, commanded the community services division and special investigation unit. He made basic Spanish a course in the police academy.

Earlier this month, Garcia told KTVU-TV that there were some low points in his time as chief, including mistakes made during this summer’s George Floyd protests.

The department received hundreds of excessive force complaints, and Chief Garcia had to apologize for his reaction to complaints that one of his officers had openly antagonized protestors. He also said the highlights of his time in leadership were diversifying staff and supporting the LGBTQ community.

During the search for a chief, a public survey showed a track record for reducing crime and transparent leadership were top priorities.

 The public search for a chief came down to seven finalists. Garcia beat out three internal police applicants as well as two more finalists from DFW.

Garcia talked about being the top choice for the top job at the Dallas Police Department.

"From a philosophical perspective in these trying times we are in, in American law enforcement we need our leadership that's experienced and made mistakes, learned from mistakes to try and make other departments better," Garcia said. "We need to change the tactics but the goals will always be the same. I feel that is something I will personally take to Dallas on some of the issues we face and some things we can do better in."

Garcia will start as the Dallas police chief on Feb. 3.

Mayor Johnson says Garcia needs to immediately develop plans to fight violent crime.

(https://www.fox4news.com/news/ex-san-jose-pd-chief-eddie-garcia-named-new-dallas-chief-of-police)