Police Chief Art Acevedo On Being “Progressive Police Chief”

I've admired Houston police chief Art Acevedo since he was the chief in Austin. The Cuban refugee always seemed to carry himself with confidence and compassion when addressing the media.

Acevedo recently sat down with Keri Blakinger of Texas Monthly. The 55-year-old opens up about his past, recent scandals involving his staff, and more. What stood out to me is his political affiliation, or really lack of one.

He's butted heads with politicians on both sides. Most famously with Republican Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn on gun control. Of the latter he says "who is a friend, believe it or not".

After giving a little background on past experiences and how they molded some of his views, he talked about the sad state we are in where the two political sides can hardly work together.

Keri was surprised to hear the chief speak his mind, he continued.

"I think that the two-party system and the gerrymandering that both parties have done, where they all have safe districts, has led to the loss of pragmatism, the loss of common sense."

-Art Acevedo

The closest the chief comes to any political affiliation is say he has been a RINO (Republican In Name Only), but goes on to say, "But now I’m just “You know what? Screw it.”

Acevedo knows not everyone will agree with him, but he will never back down from speaking his mind and his city will always come first. "I absolutely love the Houston Police Department. I love this community. I’ve really fallen in love with it. It’s a great city. It’s such a melting pot. My mind, my heart, and my efforts are in policing."

You can read the entire article here.