Former Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia — expected to be named Fort Worth’s next police chief, as first reported by The Dallas Express — is now at the center of controversy over the timing of his application, with at least one community leader calling the process “certainly unethical.”
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Garcia currently serves as assistant city manager in Austin and is considered the frontrunner to replace retiring Fort Worth Chief Neil Noakes. However, new concerns have surfaced after multiple sources and media reports indicated that Garcia may have submitted his application after the official deadline, prompting accusations of favoritism and procedural misconduct.
DX Broke the Story of Garcia’s Imminent Appointment
Sources told The Dallas Express last week that Garcia is all but guaranteed to receive the job, with an official announcement expected following a public forum on August 14 at Fort Worth City Hall. Other finalists include Interim Chief Robert Alldredge and former Dallas Deputy Chief Vernon Hale. Los Angeles Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides has since withdrawn from consideration.
The application window for the Fort Worth chief position reportedly closed in early June after receiving 51 submissions. Garcia’s name was not included among the initial pool of applicants, yet he ultimately appeared as one of four public finalists.
Pastor Rev. Kyev Tatum, a well-known community leader in Fort Worth, denounced the circumstances surrounding Garcia’s candidacy, calling it “a slap in the face to the integrity of the entire selection process,” and asserting it’s “certainly unethical.” His comments, reported by Audacy, have since circulated widely, fueling a broader outcry over the city’s handling of the process.
City Manager Jay Chapa, who will make the final selection, has not publicly addressed the timing of Garcia’s application. Mayor Mattie Parker has called for a transparent process, but city officials have not explained how Garcia’s application was considered after the deadline.
Garcia’s Exit from Dallas Still Raises Eyebrows
Garcia resigned from the Dallas Police Department in October 2024, just months after signing a contract extension that was set to run through May 2027. He cited burnout and a desire for balance in a Fox 4 interview, stating:
“There is no balance in this job. … If you can find something to work hard at while able to find balance, that’s something I was ready for in my next chapter.”
Garcia left to serve under former Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax in Austin, taking a public safety role with an annual salary of $327,000 — significantly higher than the $275,000 listed for the Fort Worth position. Garcia’s sudden return to policing has led some observers to question whether his move is motivated by a desire for public service or a political calculus.
Community Reaction Split
Fort Worth activist Cory Session has praised Garcia’s candidacy, calling it a potential “coup” for the city. But other voices — including @KeepDallasSafe — have highlighted Garcia’s downtown crime record during his time in Dallas, posting, “Under his watch, violent crime rose 42% downtown.”
Criminologist Dr. Alex Del Carmen told reporters that Garcia’s return was not unexpected and might lead to healthy competition between Dallas and Fort Worth in terms of law enforcement performance.
Still, concerns over an “unethical” selection process persist. With no clear answers from City Hall, the upcoming public forum on August 14 could become a flashpoint for community frustration.