Security

Chief Brian Casanova began his professional career serving eight years in the United States Army, deploying multiple times in support of the Global War on Terror. After his military service, he was accepted into the Austin Police Department’s Police Academy, graduating in 2009. During his 15-year career with the Austin Police Department (APD), Brian served in a variety of roles, including patrol, street crimes, narcot, and violent crime investigations. Notably, as a Detective he was selected to create and lead APD’s Violent Crimes Task Force, where he pioneered the use of social media investigative techniques to advance complex cases. Under his leadership, the Task Force was recognized as APD’s Unit of the Year.

Following this achievement, Brian was chosen to serve as APD’s liaison on a Federal Task Force, investigating a wide range of cybercrimes, including social media threats targeting schools and individua

ls. Afterward, he was promoted to Sergeant, where he led a street patrol unit and later worked with a street intelligence unit in his final assignment at APD. Throughout his career, Brian has been invited to lecture at prominent national and international conferences, including:

• The International Crimes Against Children Conference
• The Texas School Safety Conference
• The Department of Family and Protective Services Conference
• The Child Protective Services Conference

Brian holds the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety Management from St. Edward’s University
• Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy from the University of Texas at 
  Austin
• Master of Legal Studies in Cyber Law and Policy from Texas A&M School of Law

Today, as Chief of School Safety at the Texas School for the Deaf, Brian continues to leverage his extensive experience to ensure a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and the broader campus community.