By Scott Nishimura snishimura@bizpress.net
Fort Worth City Manager David Cooke has appointed Assistant Police Chief Rhonda Robertson to serve as interim chief, while the city conducts its search for a permanent replacement to Jeff Halstead.
Robertson will take over at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 10, immediately after Halstead’s retirement, announced earlier this week, takes effect.
City Council members are scheduled to vote Tuesday on Robertson’s appointment.
Robertson joined the Fort Worth Police in 1985 and was appointed deputy chief in March 2007. The department’s deputies subsequently were converted to assistant chief in a department reorganization.
Robertson has commanded operations in patrol, internal affairs, and the criminal investigation division. She oversees the support bureau which includes tactical command, investigative and support command and communications.
Robertson has a bachelor of arts degree in law enforcement administration from the University of Oklahoma and a master of art in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is also a graduate of the 210th Session of the FBI National Academy.
Halstead, chief for six years, took over from interim chief Pat Kneblick, who stepped into the job after the retirement of Chief Ralph Mendoza.
Halstead has recommended a national seatrch, but said earlier this week that the department already has capable senior leaders, all of whom he promoted into their positions.