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Police
Travis County grand jury decides against charging Christopher Taylor with murder again
Austin police officer Christopher Taylor will no longer face prosecution for the fatal shooting of Mike Ramos in 2020. The shooting was a month before the murder of George Floyd, and Ramos’ name was invoked in racial justice protests in…
Police • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Jun 27, 2024
Staff shortages are still a problem at APD
Before a scheduled briefing on the Austin Police Department’s community policing program, members of the City Council Public Safety Committee heard a pitch from Ethan Cheramie of On Scene Services proposing that his company take over the duties of officers…
Police • By Jo Clifton • Jun 11, 2024
Austin police knew 'less-lethal' rounds could seriously injure people. They used them anyway.
Austin police officers shot scores of racial justice protesters in May 2020 with lead-pellet bags used to control crowds. Dozens of people were seriously injured by the so-called “less lethal” ammunition. The city has paid out more than $20 million…
Police • By Andrew Weber, KUT • May 31, 2024
Report finds mixed progress in APD’s work to implement police academy reforms
In assessing the latest analysis of the Austin Police Department’s Training Academy, members of City Council stressed the importance of a comprehensive audit system to ensure that years and money spent to improve the academy aren’t wasted. Concerns over the…
Police • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 27, 2024
City, police union resume bargaining over long-term police labor contract
After more than a yearlong hiatus, the city and the Austin Police Association (APA) resumed long-term police labor contract negotiations on Wednesday. But it remains to be seen whether the two bargaining teams will be able to reach an agreement…
Police • By Emma Freer • Mar 15, 2024
APD settles another use-of-force case from 2020
The city of Austin has settled another case involving use of force against a citizen during the August 2020 protests against police violence. According to a news release from the Kaplan law firm, city officials agreed to and have paid…
Police • By Jo Clifton • Mar 15, 2024
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Public Safety Commission begins discussion of how people with disabilities relate to policing
The Public Safety Commission recently considered a pair of reports issued by the Office of Police Oversight regarding policing and people with disabilities. At the commission meeting last week, Austin police leadership also responded to the reports, emphasizing ongoing training…
Police • By Emma Freer • Feb 13, 2024
Council OKs ordinance on police pay, benefits
City Council on Thursday approved an ordinance extending pay and benefits for Austin police officers in line with the ordinance passed last year, including extra pay for longevity, for field training officers, bilingual officers, officers with mental health certification and…
Police • By Jo Clifton • Feb 2, 2024
Austin wants to add more money to a program that helps crime victims. Here's what it does.
Austin is expanding the resources it offers to crime victims. The Austin Police Department, which runs a victims fund, has a $30,000 budget to help people with immediate needs like a new pair of glasses or prepaid cellphone. The money…
Police • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Jan 31, 2024
Council moves to extend police pay package, incentivize bargaining
City Council recently directed the city manager to extend the package of pay and benefits for police enacted last year in the face of stalled labor contract negotiations. With the Austin Police Association still refusing to return to the bargaining…
Police • By Emma Freer • Jan 25, 2024
Art Acevedo says he won't take job overseeing Austin police
Former Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo said he is no longer joining city leadership. City leaders on Friday announced Acevedo would take on a new role overseeing policing. The decision sparked controversy and came as a surprise to some local officials and…
Police • By Syeda Hasan • Jan 24, 2024
Former APD Chief Acevedo is returning to Austin to oversee police
Former Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo will take a new position created to oversee the police department, a city of Austin memo shared with KUT confirms. The news was first reported by the Austin American-Statesman. Acevedo told KUT he is excited…
