APD selects new assistant chief

The Austin Police Department has selected a new assistant chief from within its ranks to replace former Assistant Chief Justin Newsom. Robin Henderson, a 22-year veteran of the department, was promoted this week to the position from executive lieutenant. Police Chief Brian Manley introduced Henderson to the Public Safety Commission at its Feb. 3 meeting, saying she has been serving alongside department executives for the past year and that she is a “natural choice,” who is “up to speed on all of the major issues we’ve been facing as a department.” Following the announcement, there has been a positive response from the law enforcement community. Henderson told the commission that she came to the force as a 22-year-old single mother and a college dropout. Two decades later, she said the opportunities she has had with APD have been “phenomenal” and that she is hoping to serve as a role model for current employees and future cadets as well as help the department “move forward in a positive and progressive direction.” Henderson will oversee the northern portions of Austin.