Agenda_Item_2(a)_Downtown_Public_Safety — original pdf

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Austin Police Department Commander Jeff Greenwalt Downtown Area Command Downtown Austin Gun Violence July 21st, 2021 Downtown Austin Gun Violence  Austin is experiencing the same nationwide trend of rising violent crime in 2020 and 2021  22 people have been shot in Downtown Austin this year (14 in 1 incident)  8 separate shooting incidents with a gun shot victim  4 deaths Downtown Austin Gun Crimes Violent Gun Crimes  There has been a steady increase in violent gun related crimes in 2021 as compared to previous years:  2016: 26  2017: 29  2018: 35  2019: 35  2020: 34  2021: 27 (Q1 & Q2) Downtown Austin Gun Crimes Gun Possession and Non Injury Crimes  There has been a steady increase in minor gun possession crimes in 2021 as compared to previous years:  2016: 39  2017: 39  2018: 51  2019: 64  2020: 83  2021: 77 (Q1 & Q2) Possible Causes for Increase in Violent Crimes  Perception of less punitive penalties for crimes committed  Criminals themselves are telling police they won’t be held accountable  Release of violent offenders  Pandemic  PR Bonds Violence Intervention Program “VIP”  Started in April of 2021 to combat rise in violent gun  Focused on violent repeat offenders known to carry crimes guns  Since inception, has seized over 100+ guns citywide and resulted in over 55 arrests of violent criminals  Recently expanded to include a downtown proactive component VIP For Downtown  Data Driven:  Focuses on peak times, days, and areas that are known to be high activity for guns and violence  Behavior Driven:  Focuses on behavior known to officers that indicate a likelihood of recovering a firearm  Team Driven:  Utilizes multiple units and partner agencies to ensure the cases receive all the attention necessary to cease behavior Questions