DALLAS — It has been three years since Edgardo (Eddie) Garcia stepped into the role of Dallas Police Chief. Many say he has made a difference.
“I guess innovative plans in which he’s come in and implemented, it shows up,” said Sharon Middlebrooks, Dallas NAACP President.
During his tenure, violent crime has gone down. It is the lowest in six years. Middlebrooks, who also served on the Citizens Police Review Board in the past, said that speaks volumes.
“When you think about Dallas, DFW area, we are receiving anywhere from 300 to 300-plus new residents per day,” said Middlebrooks. “For Chief Garcia to still be able to achieve the crime rate being lower, I think that speaks to his caliber of work in which he’s doing.”
WFAA sources said Houston and Austin have their eyes on Garcia as well. Their police chiefs have retired.
In order to stay, WFAA sources said the chief needs job security. He wants a contract, but the Dallas city charter does not allow that. Without one, Garcia can step down at any time. “No, give nothing else consideration but staying,” said Dr. Middlebrooks.
WFAA reached out to the cities of Austin and Houston. Austin’s spokesperson said, “The search for Chief of Police has not yet been launched, therefore there are no candidates at this time.”
Houston Mayor’s Office said, “Mayor [John] Whitmire wants to improve at HPD, get the department out of the media headlines and return to a focus on public safety. He is confident Acting Chief [Larry] Satterwhite will be a strong leader and it is too soon to discuss the next steps in finding a new police chief.”
Still, that has not stopped the buzz around Dallas.
“I think we should leave it at that and let the city manager, chief of police work all the details out and then bring it to the public,” said Tennell Atkins, Dallas Mayor Pro Tem representing District 8.
Atkins said it is a city management issue.
“As a policymaker, it’s not my decision," Atkins said. "That is city management. We are the policymakers."
While his focus is on police and fire pensions, Atkins still commends Garcia for his work in his district.
“I try to make sure the neighborhood police officers stay there," Atkins said. "That’s one thing Chief Garcia did."
It is something that communities have noticed too.
“The open-door policy. He’s approachable,” said Middlebrooks.
She added a message to cities interested in Garcia.
“Find your own,” Middlebrooks said. “Stay Chief Garcia. Stay! We need you. There’s still work to be done.”