By Sarah Calams
Police1
AURORA, Colo. — Art Acevedo, who previously served as a police chief in Austin, Texas, Houston and Miami, will take over as interim chief in early December for the Aurora (Colo.) Police Department.
Acevedo currently operates his own law enforcement consulting company and has been working with Aurora PD on its consent decree, 9News.com reported.
“I see this consent decree as an opportunity to help provide our officers with processes, systems, equipment, training – everything they need,” Acevedo said.
Aurora city manager Jim Twombly said the city is “honored that he reached out to us, eager to assist us with the ongoing public safety changes we have been implementing.”
Acevedo was fired as Miami’s police chief in October 2021 after six months on the job. He later sued the department and four city officials, claiming his firing was in retaliation for speaking out against corruption.
Former Aurora Police Chief Vanessa Wilson was fired in April after the city said they “lost confidence in her as a leader,” according to the report.
“I am really excited to come to a city where they understand good policing requires an investment. It requires proper funding for training, equipment. It requires having a benefits package and pay that attracts the very best,” Acevedo said.
Acevedo mentioned staying “six to 12 months” during his introduction Tuesday. However, when asked if he would stay permanently, he responded: “We’ll see.” He will become interim chief starting December 5.