APD Administration

Chief of Police Lisa Davis

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis is the second woman in Austin’s history to serve as permanent Chief of Police. Her career spans more than three decades with the Cincinnati Police Department, where she served as Assistant Chief and Investigations Bureau Commander, which oversees homicide, major offenders, narcotics, and personal crimes.

Throughout her career, she served in multiple roles, specialized in building community relationships, used problem-solving, and evidence-based policing to address crime and disorder. In Cincinnati, she created a city-wide problem-solving unit trained to address crime and disorder in chronically violent locations, reducing overall crime and increasing the quality of life for community members.  

Chief Davis is passionate about community policing and building police legitimacy through community partnerships. By developing a specialized unit, she addressed the at-risk population victimization that includes the LGBTQIA+ community, Latino/Hispanic community, human trafficking victims, and youth experiencing homelessness.

In addition to receiving her bachelor’s degree from Xavier University, Chief Davis has received several awards for her work, including Superior Achievement in Law Enforcement and the Award of Valor. 

APD Executive Team

Chief of Staff Robin Henderson

Chief of Staff Robin Henderson Bio

Chief of Staff Robin Henderson has served with the Austin Police Department for 26 years and was appointed as Interim Chief of Police on August 31, 2023. Chief Henderson began her career with the Austin Police Department in 1997 with the 90th Cadet Class. Chief Henderson currently oversees all Austin Police Department operations which includes a workforce of approximately 2,200 Sworn and Civilian personnel serving a population of approximately 1.2 million people.

Prior to her appointment as Interim Chief, Chief Henderson served in various assignments including Chief of Staff, Assistant Chief, Executive Lieutenant, Patrol Lieutenant, Cadet & Field Training Sergeant, Internal Affairs Sergeant and Detective Investigator, Person and Property Investigations Detective, Street Response Officer, and Field Training and Patrol Officer.

Chief Henderson enjoys leading a productive, professional and progressive team. She is passionate about public service, being a servant leader, a mentor, and making a positive impact within the Department and our Austin community.

Assistant Chief James Mason

Assistant Chief James Mason Bio

Assistant Chief James Mason started his career in law enforcement with the Austin Police Department in 1997, where he worked patrol in Southwest Austin for several years. When Chief Mason promoted to Detective, he investigated sector crimes and child abuse cases. He also worked in the Public Information Office, reporting police stories with the media. As a Sergeant, he worked in Risk Management and Internal Affairs. Upon promotion to Lieutenant, Chief Mason served on patrol, operations and property crimes. As a Commander he served over patrol officers in North Central Austin and Special Operations. Assistant Chief Mason promoted to Assistant Chief on March 29, 2021. 

Assistant Chief Mason currently overseas the Support Bureau which includes: Internal Affairs, Intelligence Division, Mental Health, Police Technology Unit, Fleet Operations, and David Sector Patrol. Being over the Mental Health unit also allows him to be an active member of the Travis County Behavioral Health Advisory Committee. Assistant Chief Mason holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police. ​​​​​​​

Assistant Chief Lee Rogers

Assistant Chief Lee Rogers Bio

Assistant Chief Lee Rogers began his career in law enforcement in 1996 working for several other agencies before proudly joining the Austin Police Department in 2001 as part of the 104th Cadet Class.

Assistant Chief Rogers worked patrol and Street Response in Charlie Sector before promoting to detective where he worked Missing Persons and later in the Gang Unit/Safe Streets Task Force. As a sergeant, Assistant Chief Rogers supervised the Henry DR’s, David Patrol, Financial Crimes, and Internal Affairs. As a Lieutenant, Assistant Chief Rogers worked night shift in the RTCC and Charlie Patrol, before moving to the Training Academy where he was assigned to the Learned Skills Unit. As a commander he had the privilege to serve in Edward Sector, Professional Standards, and the Intelligence Division.

Assistant Chief Rogers has continually volunteered on various projects and we’re looking forward to his positive contribution to our Leadership Team, the Department and our Austin Community!

Assistant Chief Angie Jones

Assistant Chief Angie Jones Bio

Assistant Chief Angie Jones has been a dedicated member of the Austin Police Department since May 2002. She began her career working patrol in the Northeast Area Command. Her passion for learning led her to become an instructor at the Academy, where she mentored and trained the next generation of officers.

Upon her promotion to detective, Assistant Chief Jones worked in Sex Crimes, Child Abuse, and Homicide. She also served as the legal liaison for the City, showcasing her versatility and interest in the legal aspects of law enforcement. As a sergeant, she worked DTAC evening shift and Internal Affairs. Assistant Chief Jones also worked in the Cold Case Sex Crimes Unit where she proudly served her detectives and the survivors of sexual assault.

Upon promotion to the rank of lieutenant, she returned to patrol before taking on the role of Lieutenant over the Advanced Education Unit at the Training Academy. Assistant Chief Jones then worked as the Executive Lieutenant for the Chief of Police until her selection as Assistant Chief. Throughout her career, Assistant Chief Jones has exemplified professionalism, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of justice, making significant contributions to the Austin Police Department and the community it serves.

Assistant Chief Scott Askew

Assistant Chief Scott Askew

Assistant Chief Scott Askew started the APD police academy in October 2000, and upon completion, began his patrol duties in Baker Sector. He remained on patrol for approximately eight years. After promoting to the rank of detective, he worked in various assignments, including Sector, Robbery, and the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).

Upon being promoted to Sergeant, he returned to patrol and later supervised the Robbery Unit and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). As a Lieutenant, he returned to Internal Affairs before being assigned to the Police Technology Unit and eventually to Homicide, Agg Assault, and Tactical Intelligence.

All of these assignments helped him understand the importance of collaborating with his colleagues to achieve success. Chief Askew firmly believes in feedback and encourages everyone to share their thoughts with him when they see him around.

Assistant Chief Mike Chancellor

Assistant Chief Mike Chancellor Bio

Assistant Chief Mike Chancellor started his law enforcement career in 2004 with the Austin Police Department. He worked Patrol for several years, serving as a Field Training Officer, Mental Health Officer, Corporal, and Sergeant. Assistant Chief Chancellor also served as an Internal Affairs investigator and later served as a Patrol Lieutenant where he helped develop and launch the Force Review Unit which enhances department accountability and transparency through a comprehensive auditing process.

While at the rank of Lieutenant he also served as the Director of the Austin Regional Intelligence Center (ARIC) and led the Crisis Intervention Unit. Upon promoting to Commander, he oversaw the Highway Enforcement, Communications, Airport, Training, Leadership, and Downtown Area commands. In addition to his normal responsibilities, Assistant Chief Chancellor has also served as the Counter-Assault Strike Team (CAST) Commander, a backup SWAT Commander, and is a contributing member of both the APD Policy Review and Budget Committees.

Assistant Chief Chancellor holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where he competed for the school’s Cross Country and Track teams. He is an avid reader in his spare time and still enjoys running the occasional 5k race.

Executive Community Engagement Lieutenant Marcos Johnson

Executive Community Engagement Lieutenant Marcos Johnson Bio

Lieutenant Marcos Johnson came to Austin as a recruited collegiate soccer player for Huston-Tillotson University in 2004, leading the team to win its first Red River Athletic Conference Championship in 2006. While at Huston-Tillotson, he was a Hatton-Sumners Scholar student and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in 2008 and a Master's degree in Legal Studies from Texas State University in 2011.

His law enforcement career began in 2008 with the University of Texas at Austin Police Department, followed by joining the Austin Police Department in 2012. Within the Austin Police Department, he has served in various roles, including:

Patrol Officer in Southeast Austin (Frank Sector); Organized Crime Division-Street Narcotics Unit; District Representative; Counter-Assault Strike Team Officer (C.A.S.T); Field Training Officer; Mental Health Officer; Public Information Officer; Corporal supervising officers in South Central Austin (Henry Sector);  Detective in Burglary and Sex Crimes in the Investigations Bureau; Patrol Sergeant leading officers in Central West Austin (Baker Sector); and Sergeant with Internal Affairs, in the Professional Standards Division.

Lt. Johnson’s most recent certifications are the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA), Internal Affairs Investigations, and APD’s Basic Leadership School.

Most notably, Lt. Johnson garnered attention for his proactive approach to wearing a body camera to promote transparency years prior to full Department deployment. Throughout his career he has also engaged the community by taking part in many panel discussions, providing interviews, appearing on law enforcement television shows, and participating in social media campaigns.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Lieutenant Johnson actively engages in physical fitness, enjoys the outdoors, plays the piano, and focuses on promoting positive community relations.

Executive Lieutenant Josh Griggers

Executive Lieutenant Josh Griggers Bio

Lieutenant Joshua Griggers was commissioned with the Austin Police Department in January 2009. He began his career in patrol, working in Southeast Austin on the Frank 500s before transferring to the Downtown area. He later joined the South Metro Tactical Team and was selected, along with other officers, to help launch the newly created Street Narcotics Unit.

In 2018, Josh was promoted to Detective, where he served in the Robbery Unit before transferring to the Homicide Unit. Upon his promotion to Sergeant, he returned to the Robbery Unit, where he remained until promoting once again. Before being selected as the Executive Lieutenant, Josh served as a patrol Lieutenant on Ida Night Shift and with Downtown Operations.

Patrol Bureau Lieutenant Christina Diven

Patrol Bureau Lieutenant Christina Diven Bio

Lieutenant Christina Diven was born and raised in Austin. She graduated from the 103rd Cadet Class in 2002 and began her career working patrol in Frank and Henry sectors. It was during this time that she developed a deep passion for patrol work, which laid the foundation for her ongoing service to the community.

After her time on patrol, Lt. Diven transitioned to the newly created Police Technology Unit, where she assisted with training the entire department on the new in car Tough Books. She further expanded her knowledge by joining the Crisis Intervention Team, where she continued to make a positive impact on the department and the members of the mental health community.

Lt. Diven promoted to detective in 2012 and investigated Person’s and Property Crimes in Henry, David, and Frank sectors, gaining a reputation for thorough and effective investigations. She became a patrol sergeant in 2018, where she spent a year and a half with the Baker 700s and then was able to spend the next three and a half years working in the area she grew up in as David 490.

She promoted to Lieutenant in 2023 and enhanced her patrol experience by serving as the Watch Lieutenant for two years before her passion for patrol work ultimately led her to her current role as Patrol Bureau Lieutenant. Now serving as one of the Executive Lieutenants, Lt. Diven is excited to continue contributing to the department’s growth, ensuring public safety, and supporting the success of the patrol division. With over two decades of service, she remains dedicated to the Austin community and her fellow officers.

Executive Staffing Lieutenant Paul Bigini

Executive Staffing Lieutenant Paul Bigini

BIO COMING SOON

Chief of Strategic Initiatives Maris Herold

Chief of Strategic Initiatives Maris Herold

Maris Herold serves as Chief of Strategic Initiatives for the Austin Police Department (APD). Having served as Police Chief in Boulder, Colorado, and Police Chief at the University of Cincinnati, she began her career with the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD). During her tenure at CPD, she held diverse leadership positions, including assignments within the Criminal Investigations Section, Training Section, Motors Unit, Professional Standards Section, and Neighborhood Policing Section. She also served as CPD’s District 4 Commander – disrupting gang activity and reducing crime in the city’s most violent and vulnerable neighborhoods. She most recently served as a senior advisor to the Bureau of Justice Assistance Director, helping to recognize innovative police departments through the National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab.

From 2020-2024, Chief Herold led the Boulder Police Department through one of the most challenging periods in modern policing history, driving meaningful progress and increasing support and capacity for her department. She developed a nationally recognized strategic plan that emphasizes crime prevention and collaborative problem-solving; broadened the Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) program to include Brazilian Jujitsu techniques; and worked with the State Attorney General and Colorado POST Director to enhance training state-wide.

Maris has received several awards for her community collaboration and problem-solving projects, including the 2016 Cincinnati Collaborative Agreement and Problem-Solving Award, sponsored by the Black United Front, ACLU, and FOP. She received Ohio’s 2019 FOP award, recognizing her work while leading the University of Cincinnati Police Division through 276 reform recommendations. Her crime reduction initiatives were awarded the international 2017 and 2021-2022 Herman Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing. She was inducted into George Mason University’s Policing Hall of Fame in 2022 and received Radford University’s 2023 Excellence in Policing award.

Maris holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Xavier University, and  is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police. She was a collegiate athlete. She began her professional career as a social worker, serving as a sexual assault investigator and a juvenile psychiatric intake worker. Maris also earned her pilot’s license before dedicating her life to public service through policing.

Assistant Director Janet Thomas

Assistant Director Janet Thomas

Janet Thomas has been with the City of Austin for more than seven years and was appointed Assistant Director in May 2025. She began her City career in the Human Resources Department as an HR Manager in Quality Assurance before promoting to HR Manager II at the Department of Aviation. After four years with Aviation, she was selected as the HR Manager II for the Austin Police Department, where she continued to strengthen her expertise in public sector human resources.

Prior to joining the City, Janet served 20 years in the United States Army. She enlisted as a Military Police Officer and, after four years, was selected for Officer Candidate School. She was commissioned in the Adjutant General Corps (Army HR) and retired in 2015 at the rank of Major.

Janet holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. She is also a Certified Senior Human Resources Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Outside of work, Janet is an avid CrossFitter and enjoys exploring the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Forensic Science Director Dr. Dana Kadavy 

Forensic Science Director Dr. Dana Kadavy 

​​​​​​​Dr. Kadavy has served the Austin Police Department since November 2018, leading forensic operations within the Austin Police Department Forensic Science Bureau. In October 2022, she was named Director of the City of Austin Forensic Science Department.  Prior to joining the City, Dr. Kadavy served as the Director of Biological Sciences at a private laboratory, where she led research and development programs and stood up and directed an accredited DNA laboratory.

In her role, she oversees the full continuum of forensic services from crime scene collection through evidence control and storage. Dr. Kadavy provides technical leadership across the accredited forensic units of Crime Scene, Drug Chemistry, Toxicology, and Firearms. Dr. Kadavy also provides guidance and oversight to ongoing DNA outsourcing operations and other critical forensic services including latent print, polygraph, multimedia, case management and quality assurance. She is passionate about technical defensibility, quality, integrity, and public service.