Item 12: Draft Recommendation — original pdf

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. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20260309-012: Community Liaison Officer Program Pilot WHEREAS, the City of Austin has committed to community-centered public safety strategies that prioritize trust-building, accessibility, and culturally competent engagement with historically marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+ residents; and WHEREAS, the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission, the Joint Inclusion Committee, and other City commissions have received consistent feedback from community members regarding the need for improved communication, responsiveness, and accountability in interactions with law enforcement; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin and Austin Police Department have previously endorsed the Community Liaison Officer Expansion and Empowerment framework, which calls for strengthening and formalizing the Community Liaison function as a core community engagement strategy; and WHEREAS, Austin Police Department currently maintains liaison functions, and a pilot model incorporating both civilian coordination and sworn, uniformed officers may strengthen visibility, accessibility, and community trust; and WHEREAS, leadership within APD has indicated that initial implementation can be achieved primarily through internal realignment of existing personnel and currently vacant positions, without requiring a significant increase in overall staffing levels; and WHEREAS, successful implementation depends on assigning experienced and community- connected personnel, prioritizing liaison responsibilities within departmental operations, and establishing clear procedures, training, and data practices to support long-term program effectiveness; and WHEREAS, a phased pilot approach allows the City to evaluate effectiveness, community impact, and operational needs before considering broader expansion or long-term funding commitments; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to allocate Phase One pilot funding to support initial implementation of the Community Liaison Officer Program Pilot. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the pilot model include both civilian coordination support and sworn, uniformed APD Community Liaison Officers, utilizing experienced personnel where feasible, with an emphasis on individuals who maintain established relationships with LGBTQIA+ and historically marginalized communities. . BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin Police Department establish internal procedures to prioritize liaison responsibilities within assigned duties, ensuring sworn officers participating in the pilot are able to consistently fulfill community engagement, outreach, and responsiveness commitments associated with the role. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Phase One pilot funding support the following limited and targeted activities: • Designation and operational support of sworn LGBTQIA+ Community Liaison Officers utilizing existing APD personnel where feasible • Initial training and professional development related to cultural competency, de-escalation, and community engagement best practices • Development of basic public communication infrastructure, including accessible contact pathways and outreach materials • Establishment of internal data collection and reporting practices, including tracking of community interactions, outreach activities, calls, and engagement outcomes, to inform future implementation • Structured engagement with the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission and the Joint Inclusion Committee to support transparency and feedback during the pilot period BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends an initial one-time pilot funding allocation of $40,000 to support training, communications, equipment, administrative setup, and data and reporting infrastructure necessary to launch the program without expanding APD’s overall staffing budget. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Commission requests an evaluation following the pilot period, including community engagement outcomes, operational effectiveness, data findings, and resource needs, to inform future recommendations regarding continuation or expansion of the program. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________ . Ryan Sperling, LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Staff Liaison