Manley departs with mix of praise, criticism from Austin civic leaders The reaction from political and civic leaders Friday to the news that Brian Manley is stepping down as the chief of the Austin Police Department was much like Manley's tenure itself: a mixture of positives and not-so-positives. While some took the moment to celebrate Manley's career accomplishments – an impressive rise through the department from patrol officer to chief – others said his departure was overdue and that Manley's presence had slowed efforts to improve the culture of policing in the city and the department's relationships with communities of color. Manley's last day on the job is scheduled to be March 28, a Sunday. The official word for his leaving is retirement, and the announcement came just days after the Austin native celebrated his 30th anniversary in the department. But Manley made clear during a Friday news conference that he will continue to work after leaving the department and said he is open to jobs in both the private and public sectors.