Assistant Chief James Mason started his career in law enforcement with the Austin Police Department in 1997, where he worked patrol in Southwest Austin for several years. When Chief Mason was promoted to Detective, he investigated sector crimes and child abuse cases. He also worked in the Public Information Office, reporting police stories with the media department.
As a Sergeant, he worked in Risk Management and Internal Affairs. Upon his promotion to Lieutenant, Chief Mason served on patrol, operations, and property crimes. As a Commander, he served over North Central Austin and Special Operations patrol officers. Assistant Chief Mason was promoted to Assistant Chief on March 29, 2021. Assistant Chief Mason currently oversees the Support Bureau, which includes: Internal Affairs, Intelligence Division, Mental Health, Police Technology Unit, Fleet Operations, and David Sector Patrol. Being over the Mental Health unit also allows him to be an active member of the Travis County Behavioral Health Advisory Committee.
Assistant Chief Mason holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police.