Watch: City of El Paso announces new police chief
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- This City of El Paso announced the new police chief Monday afternoon. Peter Pacillas, who was named Interim Police Chief after the death of Chief Greg Allen earlier this year, will take over as permanent police chief.
Chief Pacillas answered questions from the media following the announcement by Interim City Manager Carey Westin. Pacillas spoke about his ideas for the future, his decades of work on the department, and his training as interim chief.
ABC-7 asked Pacillas what his major concerns are for El Paso right now.
"We've already lost teenage lives to tragedies, and the families that are suffering right now. So we as a community need to come together to help protect our youth," said Pacillas.
The newly announced chief also mentioned his concerns about the growing number of traffic fatalities, crimes against persons, and property crimes.
Pacillas also stressed the importance of communication between the department and the public.
"We all need to sit down and listen to each other's... whatever issues that somebody might have," he said. "I'm looking to working with the public to solve any of the complex problems that we might have in the community."
The El Paso Police Department has a citizens advisory board designed for El Pasoans to voice their concerns, which Pacillas encourages the public to utilize.
