Frank Dixon Appointed New Chief of Police for the City of Denton

Frank Dixon was announced as the new chief of police for the city of Denton by City Manager Todd Hileman on Friday afternoon. The announcement comes after previous Denton police chief, Lee Howell resigned back in June to take on a new role in Saginaw. He served as police chief for seven years.

Dixon is coming from a 2-year position as assistant police chief with Austin PD. He served more than 23 years in Austin, and brings the experience of different ranks with him in his new position. 

Dixon is a Texas native born in Fort Worth. He joined the Marine Corp right after high school and served for four years before moving to Austin to start his career in law enforcement. Dixon holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Lamar University and is a graduate of the 73rd session of the Senior Management Institute for Police by the Police Executive Research Forum. Expressed via a press release, Dixon said he is humbled and excited to take on this new role.

“My goals as Chief will be to continue to engage the Denton community, work with citizens to make Denton safer, and create partnerships with civic, neighborhood, and community groups to address the unique and diverse issues facing communities today," Dixon said.

In the same press release, Hileman credits Dixon as being innovative with his leadership experience throughout his career. 

“Frank has demonstrated a commitment to community policing and community engagement strategies. And, his experience in many aspects of law enforcement has prepared him well to move the Denton Police Department forward," Hileman said. 

The selection process of new chief of police began in June. The city worked with executive recruitment firm Ralph Andersen & Associates to launch a nationwide search for candidates. The city ended up receiving 111 applicants, then the search narrowed down to six finalists.

They were interviewed by executive staff, two community organization panels with 20 groups represented, a panel of current DPD employees, and held a meet and greet with City Council Members.

The City of Denton held an event at the Denton Public Safety Training Center for the community to meet the candidates Aug. 30. Dixon, along with the five other candidates for police chief at the time, were surveyed by the general public to answer any questions or concerns.

During one of those sessions, Dixon credited active leadership as being key in developing a police officer. 

Dixon will begin as Police Chief on Oct. 15.