The City of Amarillo has formally appointed Assistant Chief Jimmy Johnson as Interim Chief of Police, ensuring steady leadership for the Amarillo Police Department (APD) while the City conducts a national search for the next permanent Chief of Police.
“With Assistant Chief Johnson’s extensive experience, deep-rooted commitment to our community, and strong leadership skills, we know the department remains in capable hands as we undertake the search for a permanent Chief,” said Andrew Freeman, Deputy City Manager and Public Safety Director. “Our priority is to ensure a thoughtful and well-executed selection process that engages stakeholders and sets APD up for long-term success.”
Born and raised in Amarillo, Johnson has dedicated over three decades to law enforcement. He began his career with APD in 1988 as a Jailor before joining the Amarillo Police Academy the following year. Over the years, he has served in various critical roles, including Patrol, Detectives, and the Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving Unit (COPPS). His experience also spans specialized units such as the Dive Team, SWAT Team, Peer Counseling, and Honor Guard.
Johnson holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Administration from Wayland Baptist University, a Master Peace Officer License, and an Instructor License through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. His leadership credentials include graduating from the prestigious FBI National Academy (Session 282) and completing the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Leadership Series.
From August 2022 – November 2022, Johnson also had the opportunity to assist the City of Dalhart as their Interim Chief of Police, which provided valuable professional development to prepare him for this appointment.
“I am honored to serve the citizens of Amarillo in this capacity and to lead the dedicated men and women of APD during this important transition,” said Interim Chief Johnson. “We will continue our commitment to public safety, professionalism, and community engagement while the City selects the best candidate for the department’s future.”
The City has outlined the following approximate timeline for selecting the next Chief of Police:
- Spring 2025 – The City will finalize and issue a request for proposals (RFP) to executive search firms with expertise in law enforcement recruitment.
- Summer 2025 – The City will enter into an agreement with the selected recruitment firm and begin developing materials for the nationwide search.
- Fall 2025 – The formal recruitment process is expected to launch after the adoption of the City’s 2025/2026 budget in September. Candidate evaluations, interviews, and public engagement efforts will take place between October and December.
- Early 2026 – The City anticipates appointing the next Chief of Police by January 2026.
“We believe this timeline is in the best interest of the department, the City, and the community,” Freeman stated. “By taking a measured approach, we ensure we find the right leader to guide APD into the future.”
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