FWPD Interim Chief Robert Alldredge, former DPD Deputy Chief Vernon Hale III, and former DPD Chief Eddie Garcia are the finalists.

FORT WORTH, Texas — During a meet-and-greet inside City Hall, Fort Worth residents had the chance to speak face-to-face with the three finalists vying to be the city’s next police chief. 

The conversations touched on topics ranging from reducing crime to preventing scams targeting seniors, to the candidates’ positions on immigration enforcement and ICE raids.

The finalists are Interim Fort Worth Police Chief Robert Alldredge, Jr., who has served 26 years with the department; former Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, now an assistant city manager in Austin; and Prince George’s County, Maryland, Assistant Chief Vernon Hale, a former Dallas Police Department deputy chief.

Each candidate outlined why they believe they believe they’re the right choice for Fort Worth.

“I believe I have a unique mix of visionary leadership, operational experience, and leading an organization through crisis,” Hale said. 

Alldredge sought to emphasize his deep familiarity with the city and the department.

 “I know the department on the operational side. I understand what it’s like to be that patrol officer out on the street, answering the calls. I understand the challenges,” Alldredge said. 

Garcia highlighted his leadership experience in large cities, saying, “I’ve had the honor of serving as the chief — not a number two — the chief, the one who the responsibility lies on for two major cities in this country.”

The new chief will oversee nearly 1,900 officers, replacing Neil Noakes, who retired in May after 25 years with the department.

Following the meet-and-greet, WFAA’s Dia Wall moderated a public forum using questions submitted online. Residents used the opportunity to raise personal concerns.

Nydia Cardenas asked about potential collaboration between the department and federal immigration enforcement officers. 

“I asked him, if the police partner with ICE, is he willing to push back?” Cardenas said.

“I asked how he feels about mental health and if it’s important to him, because I’m a big mental health advocate,” Houston said.

Adrianne Collins, president of the Multicultural Alliance, said inclusivity is key. 

“We just want to make sure everyone has a place — that everyone is included in this community,” Collins said.

The city provided QR codes for attendees to submit feedback on each candidate. That input will be sent to Fort Worth City Manager Jay Chapa, who will recommend one finalist to the city council for ratification.

The goal is to have Fort Worth’s next police chief in place by the beginning of next month.