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Amarillo confirms Thomas Hovord as new chief of police after nationwide search
Summary
After a national recruitment and community input process, the Amarillo City Council confirmed Thomas Hovord as chief of police; city officials cited his experience in Irving, emphasis on community engagement and evidence-based policing.
Amarillo — The City Council confirmed Thomas Hovord as the city’s next police chief following a national search and extensive community engagement.
Deputy Freeman described the recruitment process, which included listening sessions, staff and community input, multiple interview panels and evaluation of finalists. "From this work, Mr. Hovord emerged as a candidate who most closely aligned with those expectations," Freeman said, noting Hovord’s experience overseeing field operations and initiatives such as a real-time crime center and a drone-first responder program.
Hovord, currently an assistant police chief in Irving, said he is eager to "listen and learn the Amarillo way" and build relationships with neighbors and the department’s officers. Council members praised the selection process and thanked interim leadership. The council voted to confirm the city's offer of employment; Hovord had accepted the offer before the confirmation vote.
The mayor and council framed the hire around priorities the community and APD staff expressed in the search: culture-building, communication, fairness, accountability and visible community engagement. Councilmembers noted Hovord’s leadership training (FBI National Academy and other executive programs) and his stated focus on officer wellness and collaborative partnerships.
The confirmation was adopted by voice vote; the council welcomed Hovord and thanked Chief Johnson for interim service.
