Eddie Garcia, the former Dallas Police Chief turned Austin assistant city manager, has emerged as a controversial finalist for the Fort Worth Police Chief role - due to his late application. Critics argue fairness was undermined.
Late to the Race: Ethics Called Into Question
Fort Worth’s application window closed on June 4, but Garcia submitted his candidacy after the deadline, reportedly with the help of former Fort Worth Chief Neil Noakes.
Councilman Chris Nettles voiced frustration: “…if you can wiggle your way in…you crush the deadline when everybody else adheres to it.”
Similarly, Pastor Rev. Kyev Tatum called it “a slap in the face to the integrity of the entire selection process,” asserting it’s “certainly unethical.”
City Defends the Move
City Manager Jay Chapa’s office maintains that allowing Garcia’s application - submitted the week of June 9 - was acceptable since the hiring process was still in early screening.
They emphasize that while the deadline wasn’t officially extended, openness to late submissions is “not unusual” in executive searches.
Garcia’s Background & Other Finalists
Garcia stepped down as Dallas Police Chief in September 2024, truncating a contract initially expected to run to 2027. Since then, he’s overseen public safety in Austin as assistant city manager.
The current finalists now include:
Former Dallas Deputy Chief Vernon Hale III
Fort Worth Interim Chief Robert Alldredge Jr.
(Until yesterday) LAPD Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides - who withdrew after earning a promotion in Los Angeles.
What Comes Next
A public candidate forum is scheduled for August 14 at Fort Worth City Hall, where residents can submit questions until August 8.
City Manager Chapa will make the final recommendation, with City Council’s approval expected by September.
This controversy puts a spotlight on the city's hiring practices - raising questions about whether “qualified” candidates get special treatment or if fairness takes a backseat. Stay tuned to KRLD.com as this story unfolds.
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