MPD Chief Norman in Austin, TX to meet community during final stages of hiring process there

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Current Milwaukee police chief Jeffrey Norman is one step closer to securing the same position in Austin, Texas.

Norman is one of two finalists for the Austin police chief position. On Tuesday night, July 23, he met with the media there and the community.

The path that led to Norman becoming Milwaukee's police chief was winding and fraught with challenges. His four-year term expires next November, but if he's offered the Austin job before then, it could throw Milwaukee's top position into turmoil once again.

On Tuesday in Texas, Norman said, "I am blessed to have a great track record of getting things done in some of the most difficult situations."

He added, "No two communities are the same, no two problems are the same. But the tools that we have can be the same. In regards to that, something that may have worked could be of use."

After meeting with the media, Norman and the other finalist -Cincinnati assistant chief Lisa Davis- made their pitches to the Austin community at a public meet-and-greet event.

Norman told the crowd, "I do have a law degree. Went to Marquette University. Have a master's in public administration."

It's the final stage of Austin's hiring process that could once again create a vacancy at Milwaukee's top spot.

Norman was sworn into a four-year term in November of 2021, ending -for now- a tumultuous period for the police department.

In August 2020, Milwaukee's Fire and Police Commission demoted then-Chief Alfonso Morales.

At the time, Norman was not among the final three candidates to replace Morales.

But while Morales sued -he eventually received a settlement from the city- the search was paused, and Norman was named acting chief.

The department ultimately went 14 months without a permanent chief.

When the search resumed, Norman was the only applicant.

So far this year, most of Milwaukee's crime stats are down compared to last year. Norman has credited community policing in Milwaukee, and a multi-pronged approach.

It's something he touted Tuesday in Texas, telling the audience, "I'm imaginative, I'm innovative, and I love working with a team that understands how to do that together."

According to reporting from CBS News in Austin, the Austin city manager's office wants to present its final choice to the full city council next week. The full council will then vote on a candidate.