After a national search and local interview process, Hutto’s municipal government has chosen the next person to lead its police department.
Jeff Yarbrough will start his tenure as Hutto police chief on April 18.
“The opportunity is there for Hutto Police to grow alongside the community we serve, and with that to stay one of the safest cities in the State of Texas,” Yarbrough said. “There is little doubt this is a community that truly embraces and values its local police. I couldn’t be more excited to continue that great relationship, and also to get to know and serve each member of the Hutto Police Department.”
Mayor Mike Snyder said that while the group of final candidates was diverse and impressive, Yarbrough rose to the top. He added that Yarbrough’s experience building programs and developing personnel in fast-growing communities will be vital with Hutto projected to possibly double its current estimate of nearly 40,000 residents in the next 10 years
“We’re confident Chief Yarbrough has the experience, knowledge and demeanor to effectively lead HPD and our community through this continuous growth,” said Snyder. “His commitment to outreach and inclusion will well serve both the department and the community. We look forward to his work to effectively retain and recruit excellent officers.”
Interim City Manager Isaac Turner said that as a semifinalist for the Hutto chief position, Yarbrough received rave reviews during a recent community open house. The final rounds of interviews were with police staff, community members, city executives, Hutto Police Department command staff, Hutto Fire Rescue and other area law enforcement.
“Chief Yarbrough did a great job through all phases of the process, including with our panelists who were all impressed by his responses to questions and scenarios,” said Turner. “His credentials are outstanding, and he brings to Hutto a strong network among many agencies in the region.”
Yarbrough has 27 years in law enforcement under his belt and is U.S. Army veteran who was in Operation Desert Storm. He is currently the chief of police for Round Rock ISD, where he manages a nearly $5 million budget providing safety and security for 57 campuses with 7,000 employees and 50,000 students. His duties also include overseeing behavioral health services through a team of social workers. Yarbrough’s professional experience includes several years as an investigator with the Texas Attorney General Office, the State Bar of Texas, and the Travis County District Attorney, in addition to working in sheriff’s offices. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and his master’s degree from Texas A&M Unversity. Yarbrough will succeed Jim Stuart, who Hutto officials say made a major difference in a short time in Hutto while serving as interim police chief the past several months.
“We are grateful to Chief Stuart for his commitment to the Hutto Police Department and community during an important transition,” said Turner. “He was able to achieve results and help the department make significant progress. Chief Yarbrough will come to Hutto with positive momentum on his side.”
That momentum is one of the reasons Yarbrough said he wanted to work in Hutto. He called Hutto “a city of opportunity” for longtime residents, newer families and future residents alike.
“The members of the Hutto Police Department have earned an outstanding reputation within our community,” said Turner. “We look forward to Chief Yarbrough enhancing that excellent relationship even further.”
