Dear Neighbor, I’m thankful for the dedicated first responders that keep our businesses, churches, neighborhoods, and schools safe. As we look ahead to a new year, the Central Texas Public Safety Commission is focused on the future. We’ll work on patrol staffing, long-term budget planning, and EMS, fire, and police contracts. When the Austin City Council… Read more »
Dear Neighbor, Joseph Chacon will be the next chief of the Austin Police Department. City Manager Spencer Cronk announced the decision today after a national search to replace former Chief Brian Manley, who retired in March. The Austin City Council is expected to ratify the choice at its regular meeting on September 30. Joe is the police… Read more »
Dear Neighbor, Last week, the Austin City Council unanimously approved the fiscal year 2022 budget that includes funding for two police cadet classes. A budget rider sponsored by Council Member Mackenzie Kelly was also adopted that authorizes the city manager to schedule a third modified class for currently licensed peace officers if funding is available. A commitment to future cadet classes… Read more »
Dear Neighbor, Austin City Council will begin fiscal year 2021-22 budget adoption on Wednesday. City Manager Spencer Cronk proposed a budget that includes two police cadet classes next year. Restarting the training academy this summer and funding two cadet classes next year are necessary steps to improve the police staffing crisis. At least 174 vacancies are expected by… Read more »
Dear Neighbor, The community mourns the loss of Austin Senior Police Officer Lewis “Andy” Traylor from injuries in an on-duty motor vehicle accident. He served the community for nine years as a peace officer and was a veteran of the US Navy. Traylor leaves a wife and five children. Austin Cops 4 Charities is accepting online donations for his… Read more »
Dear Neighbor, The latest Chief’s Monthly Report (June) shows year-to-date increases in murder (96 percent), aggravated assault (15 percent), and auto theft (9 percent) compared to 2020. Robbery (-12 percent) and simple assault (-3 percent) were among the crime categories that decreased. This Thursday, starting at 4:00 p.m., the Austin City Council will consider community input on the proposed… Read more »
Dear Neighbor, Last Friday, City Manager Spencer Cronk released a proposed fiscal year 2022 budget, which funds two police cadet classes next year. A commitment to future cadet classes is a significant step toward solving the Austin Police Department’s staffing crisis. The police department will have at least 156 vacancies by the end of July, in addition… Read more »
Dear Neighbor, The latest Chief’s Monthly Report shows year-to-date increases in murder (79 percent), aggravated assault (15 percent), and burglary (4 percent). Robbery (-5 percent) and simple assault (-2 percent) were among the crime categories that decreased. Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk will release a proposed fiscal year 2022 budget on July 9. Budget adoption is scheduled for August… Read more »
Dear Neighbor, The community is invited to meet the Austin Police Department 144th Cadet Class today (Tuesday) from 4:00 until 6:30 p.m. at Edward Rendon Sr. Park (2101 Jesse E. Segovia Street). Cadets started on June 7, 2021, and are expected to graduate on January 28, 2022. The mass shooting on Sixth Street this past weekend was a stark… Read more »
Dear Neighbor, The Austin Police Department’s 144th Cadet Class begins today. Nearly a hundred cadets will start the academy, which graduates early next year. The community is invited to meet the new cadet class on Tuesday, June 15, from 4:00 until 6:30 p.m. at Edward Rendon Sr. Park (2101 Jesse E. Segovia Street). Interim Police Chief Joseph Chacon reported to the… Read more »