Poll: Majority of readers say Austin police chief should keep his job

With City Manager Spencer Cronk appearing in front of a City Council committee tomorrow to talk about a plan for the Austin Police Department, we asked you earlier this week if Austin Police Chief Brian Manley should be fired from his position.

A majority of you said no.

In the survey that ran from Monday afternoon to Wednesday at noon, 64% of participants voted against firing Manley. Respondents left comments saying Manley is doing a good job and that other people should be blamed for any unrest with APD.

"Chief Manley is one of the top professional police leaders in our country. He truly cares about Austin. Does the department need to rethink some of their policies? Of course they do. We all need to continually strive to improve ourselves. It is absolutely insane what this council is doing!! The policies that APD have been implementing come from the council. Maybe they should look at themselves before casting dispersions on others," one comment stated.

Of the participants, 27% voted in favor of firing Manley. Comments from those voters said he showed a lack of leadership, accountability and initiative to provide reform.

"I think our community is at the point of no return for being able to trust Manley's APD. It's time for new leadership. I also think City Manager Cronk should be replaced. Both men have shown little to no compassion and sincerity in their response to the violence from APD. They are not committed to change. They are committed to placating through toeing the status quo," one comment stated.

Only 7% voted "Undecided."

"It's not just him," one comment stated. "We can't just blame Manley. He inherited a mess! APD needs a total over haul from policies, laws, old laws, Jim Crow mentality, systemic prejudice..."

The outcome for Manley can only be ultimately decided by the city manager with recommendations from the City Council.