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Ed Kraus Named Fort Worth Police Chief

In this photo, a man with white hair, wearing a police uniform, stands speaking at a podium with microphones in front of him.
Tony Gutierrez
/
Associated Press
Fort Worth Police Chief Ed Kraus

Fort Worth has a new police chief. Interim Chief Ed Kraus, who has spent more than 25 years with the force, has been named chief.

Ed Kraus took over as interim chief in May after the city fired Joel Fitzgerald. Officials said Fitzgerald had a history of bad judgment and poor relationships with city leaders.

Fitzgerald was Fort Worth's first black police chief and sued the city, claiming it was retaliating against him for investigating the IT department.

Community groups have criticized Kraus in recent months for several police-involved shootings, including the killing of Atatiana Jefferson, who was black.

In October, a white officer resigned and was charged with murder for fatally shooting Jefferson inside her home.

Mayor Betsy Price says she's been impressed with Kraus' leadership skills -- and his rapport with officers and community members.

Stella M. Chávez is an investigative reporter for The Texas Newsroom, a collaboration between NPR and member stations around the state. She's based at KERA in Dallas and is currently reporting on how state government is working with federal agencies on immigration enforcement and border security.