Jeff Halstead selected to serve as new Fort Worth Police Chief

by PegNews wire

Following a nationwide search, City Manager Dale Fisseler announced Tuesday the appointment of Jeff W. Halstead as the new Fort Worth police chief, pending City Council confirmation.

A 20-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department, Halstead most recently served as police commander, Homeland Defense Bureau, in that department. He succeeds Police Chief Ralph Mendoza, who retired earlier this year after a 35-year career with the City of Fort Worth.

“This has been a tough decision because we had a number of outstanding candidates, but I believe that Jeff will provide the leadership we need as we enter a new era of labor relations, and that he will continue to make improvements to an already efficient department, said City Manager Dale Fisseler. “Protection of our residents remains our highest priority.”

Under Texas civil service laws that govern how cities like Fort Worth hire fire and police personnel, including chiefs, a city manager appointment must be confirmed by City Council before it is official. Fisseler will ask council to confirm Halstead’s appointment and salary at its Nov. 11 meeting. Halstead is set to begin his new duties in December.

“Our city manager has done his due diligence, and I’m confident that his decision to recommend Jeff Halstead is a good one,” said Mayor Mike Moncrief. “All of the candidates for this position — including our own interim Chief Pat Kneblick — demonstrated tremendous skills and qualifications but, unfortunately, not all of them could be selected. I support Mr. Fisseler’s decision and will encourage my fellow council members to do the same.”

Halstead began his law enforcement career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1988 as an officer. During his career there, he has served as police sergeant responsible for media relations, traffic enforcement and field training as well as lieutenant of several other city bureaus and units.

Halstead has a bachelor’s in law enforcement administration from Ottawa University in Arizona and a master’s in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University.

Earlier this year, Halstead received the U.S. Attorney’s Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee’s Award for excellence as part of Arizona’s planning team for Super Bowl XLII in addition to serving as the police department’s lead planner for that event.

Source: The City of Fort Worth