REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION November 4, 2024, 4:00 PM Austin City Hall Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Public Safety Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Enrique Duran II Paul Hermesmeyer AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on October 7, 2024. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire Department, including an update on the October 2024 wildfire in East Austin. 1. 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation regarding the new Public Safety Headquarters by Kimberly Olivares, Financial Services Department. Presentation regarding the Death Notification Process within Victim Services by Kachina Clark, Austin Police Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a Public Safety Commissioner to serve on the Downtown Commission as a non- voting member per City Code 2-1-140-C. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from the Training Academy Working Group on the training academy cadet class audit reports received. Update from the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group on planned next steps for aggregated sexual assault case data reporting. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department, at 512-974-2792 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, October 7, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, October 7, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer Pierre Nguyễn Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on January 9, 2023 The minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on January 9, 2023 were approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Hermesmeyer’s second on a 7- 0 vote. Commissioners Holmes, Orr, and Reyes were absent. 2. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 6, 2023. The minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 6, 2023 were approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Holmes, Orr, and Reyes were absent. 3. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on September 9, 2024. The minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on September 9, 2024 were approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second on a 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, October 7, 2024 6-0 vote. Commissioner Smith abstained. Commissioners Holmes, Orr, and Reyes were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve the Public Safety Commission 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule The Public Safety Commission 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule was approved on Commissioner Hermesmeyer’s motion, Vice Chair Ruttan’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Holmes, Orr, and Reyes were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Public Safety Quarterly Report by Austin Police Department, including an update on the license plate reader program. The presentation was made by James Mason, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department. Lisa Davis, Police Chief, Austin Police Department introduced herself to the commission. 5. Update on Wildfire Readiness by Austin Fire Department, including an update on the PANO AI system by Austin Energy The presentation was made by Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department; Justice Jones, Chief Mitigation Officer, Austin Fire Department; Jeff Kennedy, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire Department; and Chris Vetromile, Wildfire Mitigation Manager, Austin Energy. …
AUSTIN FIRE Public Safety Commission Meeting FY24 Q4 Chief of Staff Rob Vires 1 5 5 A c r e W i l d f i r e o n O c t o b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 4 • Around 12:41 pm, AFD started receiving calls regarding a fire in the 9500 block of FM 969 Road at John Trevino Metro Park. • Drier conditions over the preceding weeks allowed the fire to burn faster and hotter. • This area has previously been treated with a prescribed fire as a preventative effort, which reduced the fire intensity and aided in suppression efforts. • More than 120 firefighters were on scene, including aid from ESDs 11 and 12, as well as two helicopters in the air and multiple drones. • Two firefighters experienced minor injuries. • No structures burned and no evacuation recommendations were issued. • AFD’s training greatly assisted in a safe, effective, and coordinated response. 2 T e x t t o 9 1 1 • The new 911 software has been installed, with no changes to the Text to 911 product. • The current system allows users of 911 system to exchange text messages with AFD dispatchers. • Representatives of the future system, Text to 911, have indicated that it their system includes a multimedia service. • Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) took the lead in implementing the new 911 software. 3 F i r e S t a t i o n 1 G r a n d R e - O p e n i n g Fire Station 1 hosted a Grand Re-Opening event on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024. The units have been back in service at Station 1 since July 30, 2024. 4 Photos from Austin Capital Delivery Services on Flickr N e w F i r e S t a t i o n 5 4 a t C a n y o n C r e e k Located in Council District 10, this will be a shared facility with ATCEMS. Expected completion: December 2024 Updates: • Broke ground on January 30, 2024. • Abatement work and demolition completed mid-January 2024. • Steel is complete. • Interior work is being done. • Texas Gas has been installed. 5 F a c i l i t y I m p r o v e m e …
Public Safety Headquarters Acquisition Kimberly Olivares, Deputy CFO Public Safety Commission -- November 4, 2024 Background • Current headquarters facilities have exceeded their useful life • Conditions continue to deteriorate • Public access is minimal at best • Public safety departments began requesting a new HQ over a decade ago • Staff previously discussed redevelopment of Rutherford Lane Campus as a potential solution • August 2022 Audit & Finance Committee 2 Current Conditions Technicenter (AFD HQ, EMS, APD) 3 Current Conditions – RBJ (EMS HQ) Current Conditions RBJ (EMS HQ) 4 Current Conditions APD HQ 5 Headquarters Specifications • Public safety headquarters programming analysis (2022) • Examined existing facilities • Interviews with department leadership, key staff, and various units • Employee surveys (approximately 800 responses) • How staff conducts their work today • What they would like to see in new workspaces • Desired improvements/features in a new facility • Requirements for a mix of public/private spaces and approximately 400,000 square feet to meet needs for next twenty years 6 Barton Skyway Details • Location: 1501 & 1601 South Mopac Expressway (D8) • Two 4-story Class A office buildings • Built in 1999/2000 • Approximately 390,000 sq. ft total • 13.83 acres of land • 3 miles to City Hall • Two 5-level parking structures and surface parking • ≈1,550 spaces • Outdoor seating pavilions, tenant lounges, fitness center, volleyball court • Transit access 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Benefits and Opportunities • New HQ for all public safety departments • Improved working conditions for sworn and non-sworn personnel • Meets current space and future growth needs • Easy access to downtown • Improved public access • Collaboration among public safety departments • Environmental improvements to the property • Repurposing and/or monetization of other properties • Technicenter, APD HQ • Avoid cost of continued investment in existing buildings 14 • The City Manager is directed to explore opportunities to improve the facility to be acquired from an environmental perspective, including but not limited to: Council Direction • Solar installation • Green infrastructure • Resilience • Energy efficiency • The City Manager is directed to assess which improvements to existing City facilities and associated costs could be avoided due to this purchase and to prioritize those savings toward improvements at other City facilities in support of City climate goals. 15 Finances and Next Steps • Purchase price: $107.6 million …
Death Notifications Austin Police Department Victim Services Role of the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office (TCME) The TCME is responsible for the investigation and certification of cause and manner of death of all sudden, unexpected, violent, suspicious, or unnatural deaths that occur in Travis County. The cause of death is a disease, injury, drug toxicity, or combination of factors that causes a physiologic derangement severe enough to result in death. The manner of death refers to the circumstances surrounding how the death came about and is divided into five categories: natural, accident, suicide, homicide, and undetermined. TCME also investigates similar deaths occurring in 43 Texas counties at the written request of the local authorities. -From TCME website (see also TCCP 49.25) 2 2 Who is considered Legal Next of Kin in Texas? The TCME’s Office is responsible for notifying the legal next of kin in most situations, in collaboration with APD Victim Services. Order of notification: Spouse Adult children Parents Adult siblings Note: The emergency contact listed on a driver’s license is NOT automatically contacted on APD cases. 3 3 Victim Services (VS) may Be Requested to assist with notifying next of kin in the following situations: • Deaths occurring in Austin (includes parts of Williamson and Hays County, but primarily in Travis County) at homes or in the community. • Hospital deaths (typically, hospital social workers handle notifications, but VS may respond if officers are also responding, such as for an accident, collision, violence, or suicides). • Hospice deaths, ONLY if 911 is called and police respond (often, Hospice social workers take the lead in managing these cases). • Requests from other agencies for out-of-office cases when the next of kin is believed to reside in Austin (received via teletype). 4 4 How Notification Requests are Initiated: • TCME pages VS Crisis Response Team via APD Communications once they identify the • APD Dispatch pages VS when requests come from another jurisdiction via teletype. • Detectives (Homicide, Vehicular Homicide, Cold Case, or Special Investigations Unit) • Dispatch may contact the person who called in a welfare check for updates, potentially allowing for tentative notifications. • VS may identify and locate next of kin while on scene (e.g., assisting a witness in a decedent. pages VS directly. traffic fatality). 5 5 Information to have before making notification (ideally): • Full name and date of birth of …
APD Training Academy Audit 149th Cadet Class May 22, 2023 – December 30, 2023 Community Involvement Co-facilitated Coursework • 8 courses taught by or in cooperation with outside SME’s and/or community partners • Key topics: Sexual Harassment Recognition; U.S. & Texas Constitution and Rights; History of Policing and Race in Austin; Mindfulness & Resilience Techniques; Professional Policing; Non-Consensual Language; Traumatic Brain Injury; Crisis Intervention Training • Co-facilitators represented the University of Texas, Texas State University, Neill-Cochran House Museum, Austin Community College, the Centre for Neuro Skills, and Integral Care 149th Cadet Class Community Involvement Community Connect & Engagement – 36 hours completed Cadets received lectures, participated in group discussions and performed other community-focused activities. Austin Public Library Sobering Center Neill-Cochran House Magdalene House Out Youth Jail to Jobs Mothers Against Drunk Driving Downtown Austin Alliance SAFE Alliance ADL: Hate Crimes Education Seedling Foundation Language Access AISD Restorative Practices Austin Groups for the Elderly Central Texas VA Community Resource Fair 149th Cadet Class Culture of Adult Learning Staff began incorporating Adult Learning Theory concepts into curriculum in mid-2021 • 24 classes have been revised to include Adult Learning Theory concepts between mid-2021 and the conclusion of the 149th cadet class in December 2023 • Based on Bloom’s Taxonomy, concepts include: Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate and Create 149th Cadet Class Culture of Adult Learning Professional Development for Training Academy Staff • Instructors are encouraged to seek out and attend training courses that will further improve Cadet Training and Advanced Officer Education • Examples of courses attended/scheduled to attend: • The RITE Way “Responsibility and Integrity Through Ethics; Managing the Training Function; IACP Women’s Leadership Institute; Finding the Leader in You; (TEEX) Advanced Instructor Development; FBI LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute; VirTra Advanced Trainer Certification Course; ABLE Train the Trainer Certification; Reality Based Training Instructor Course. 149th Cadet Class Transformative Change Belonging & Inclusion • All Cadets completed Groundwater Analysis training provided by Joyce James Consulting (JJC) • Field Training Officers (FTO’s) who train newly graduated cadets are required to take Groundwater Analysis training (75% of current FTO’s have completed training) • Future FTO’s must complete training prior to FTO school • In addition to Groundwater Analysis, FTO’s are required to complete a 2-day recertification training with courses including: Teaching Methods; Force Review; Red Dot Transition Pistol Course; updated Groundwater Analysis curriculum 149th Cadet Class Demographics Class Dates: May 22, 2023 – December …
APD Training Academy Audit 151st Cadet Class September 11, 2023 – April 19, 2024 Community Involvement Co-facilitated coursework community partners • 8 courses were taught by or in cooperation with outside SME’s and/or • Key topics: Sexual Harassment Recognition; U.S. & Texas Constitution and Rights; History of Policing and Race in Austin; Mindfulness & Resilience Techniques; Professional Policing; Non-Consensual Language; Traumatic Brain Injury; Crisis Intervention Training • Co-facilitators represented the University of Texas, Texas State University, the Neill-Cochran House Museum, Austin Community College, the Centre for Neuro Skills, and Integral Care 151st Cadet Class Community Involvement Community Connect & Engagement – 36 hours completed Cadets received lectures, participated in group discussions and performed other community-focused activities. Austin Public Library Sobering Center Neill-Cochran House Magdalene House Out Youth Jail to Jobs Mothers Against Drunk Driving Downtown Austin Alliance SAFE Alliance ADL: Hate Crimes Education Seedling Foundation Language Access AISD Restorative Practices Austin Groups for the Elderly Central Texas VA Community Resource Fair 151st Cadet Class Creation of Academy Operations Manual Academy Staff created the Academy Operations Manual in February 2024 during the 151st Cadet class, covering topics for: • Creating a Culture for Adult and Active Learning • Improving cadet curriculum through SME expertise • Improving co-facilitation of Academy Instruction • Providing a guideline for reporting Academy production to internal and external stakeholders 151st Cadet Class Culture of Adult Learning Staff began incorporating Adult Learning Theory concepts into curriculum in mid-2021 • All Cadet classes are currently under review for TCOLE compliance • 24 courses were previously revised to include Adult Learning Theory concepts between mid-2021 and the conclusion of the 151st Cadet Class • Curriculum and Instructor Development team begins observing cadet curriculum for improving Adult Learning beginning with 153rd cadet class in August 151st Cadet Class Culture of Adult Learning Professional development for Training Academy Staff • Instructors are encouraged to seek out and attend training courses that will further improve cadet training and advanced education • Examples of classes attended/to be attended 2024: • The RITE Way “Responsibility and Integrity Through Ethics; Managing the Training Function; IACP Women’s Leadership Institute; Finding the Leader in You; (TEEX) Advanced Instructor Development; FBI LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute; VirTra Advanced Trainer Certification Course; ABLE Train the Trainer Certification; Reality Based Training Instructor Course, Managing the FTO Unit. 151st Cadet Class Transformative Change • Pre-Academy established for the 153rd Cadet Class, which includes: …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION October 7, 2024 at 4:00 PM Austin City Hall Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Public Safety Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Angelica Reyes Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. 3. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on January 9, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 6, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on September 9, 2024. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. DISCUSSION ITEMS Public Safety Quarterly Report by Austin Police Department, including an update on the license plate reader program. Update on Wildfire Readiness by Austin Fire Department, including an update on the PANO AI system by Austin Energy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and overview of the Community Police Review Commission with the Office of Police Oversight and consideration of a Recommendation to Council. Approve a Public Safety Commissioner to serve on the Downtown Commission as a non- voting member. Approve the Public Safety Commission 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from the Training Academy Working Group on recent meetings with APD Training Academy Staff and next steps. Update from the Public Safety Wellness Center Working Group on meetings with Wellness Center staff to date and next steps. Update from the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group for the 2024 third quarter (Q3) with discussion of project scope item referencing sexual assault data. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2023 The PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR CALLED MEETING on January 9, 2023 at COA Permitting and Development Building, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco– Room 1405 AUSTIN, TEXAS Chair Bernhardt called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:16p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Bernhardt, Chair Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nelly Ramírez, Vice Chair Kathleen Hausenfluck John Kiracofe Michael Sierra-Arévalo Rebecca Webber PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Chris Harris Elizabeth Gonzales APPROVAL OF MINUTES MEETING on November 7, 2022. Postponed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion of the minutes of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report – Austin Police Department Presentation was made by Jason Matson, Research & Planning Division, Austin Police Department. 3. Discussion and possible action on Recommendation regarding counsel at first appearance for all criminal charges in Travis County. 1 The motion to approve the Recommendation regarding counsel at first appearance for all criminal charges in Travis County was made by Commissioner Ramírez, seconded by Commissioner Webber and failed on a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo abstained. Commissioners Gonzales and Hall-Martin were absent. The motion to place the Recommendation on City Council agenda was made by Chair Bernhardt, seconded by Commissioner Ramírez and approved on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Gonzales and Hall-Martin were absent. 4. Discussion and possible action endorsing the Austin Police Oversight Act, which is on the May 2023 ballot. Postponed. 5. Discussion and possible action on Austin Police Department Towing Fee Study The presentation was made by Michelle Schmidt, Financial Director, Austin Police Department. The motion to recommend that Council send the study back to the drawing board and not pass it at the next meeting was made by Commissioner Webber, seconded by Commissioner Ramírez and failed on a 5-1 vote. Commissioner Kiracofe voted no. Commissioners Gonzales and Hall-Martin were absent. 6. Discussion and possible action on Kroll Report regarding Austin Police Department Training Academy Questions were answered by Mark Ehlers, Managing Director, Kroll Consultants; Retired Chief Rick Brown, Curriculum Review Committee; and Joyce James, Joyce James Consulting. Questions were answered by Assistant Chief Jason Staniszewski, Austin Police Department; Commander Wade Lyons, Austin Police Department; and Dr. Anne Kringen, Austin Police Department; and Chief Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Legislative Update for some point in future as new Texas legislative session begins (Commissioner Ramírez) …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, March 6, 2023 The PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR CALLED MEETING on March 6, 2023 at City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W. 2nd Street, AUSTIN, TEXAS Chair Bernhardt called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:05p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Bernhardt, Chair Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nelly Ramirez, Vice Chair Kathleen Hausenfluck John Kiracofe Michael Sierra-Arevalo Timothy Ruttan David Holmes PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the November 7, 2022 Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting The motion to approve the November 7, 2022 Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting Minutes was motioned by Commissioner Hausenfluck and failed on a 3-0 vote. Commissioners Kiracofe, Ruttan, Hausenfluck and Holmes abstained. Commissioner Hall-Martin was absent. Approve the December 5, 2022 Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting The motion to approve the December 5, 2022 Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting Minutes was motioned by Commissioner Hausenfluck and failed on a 5-0 vote. Commissioners Ruttan and Holmes abstained. Commissioner Hall-Martin was absent. Approve the January 9, 2023 Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting 1 The motion to approve the January 9, 2023 Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting Minutes was motioned by Commissioner Hausenfluck and failed on a 5-0 vote. Commissioners Ruttan and Holmes abstained. Commissioner Hall-Martin was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Reports – Austin Fire Department and ATCEMS (Emergency Medical Services) Presentation was made by Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department. Presentation was made by Teresa Gardner, Chief of Staff Austin/ Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. 3. Discussion of winter/extreme weather event preparedness Discussed. The following participated in the discussion: Robert Nicks, President, Austin Firefighters Association; Selena Xie, President, Austin Emergency Medical Services Association; Kevin Parker, Division Chief, Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services; Brandon Wade, Assistant Chief , Austin Fire Department; Jason Stansizewski, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discuss/draft recommendation regarding enough generators for public safety departments (Ruttan) Update from Chief Medical Officer (Bernhardt) Update on 911 Call Center (Kiracofe) View Report on disabled community’s interaction with Austin Police department and what kind of actions come as a result of report (Ramirez) Election of PSC Officers for the 2023-2024 year (mandatory election in April each year per City Clerk’s office) Safety of Uber and Lyft drivers (Bernhardt) Chair Bernhardt adjourned the meeting at 6:00 pm …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, September 9, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, September 9, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, September 9, 2024, at City Hall Building, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kristy Orr Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León Patrick Jones APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on August 5, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on 08/05/2024, were approved on Commissioner Bernhardt’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo was off the dais. Commissioner Reyes was absent. 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, September 9, 2024 The presentation was made by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. 4. Update on Text to 911 by Chief Jeff Greenwalt, Austin Police Department. Update was given by Lee Rogers, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department. 3. Update from Public Safety Commissioners on the Austin Police Department Police Chief interview panel. Update was given by Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council for Workers’ Compensation for Public Safety sworn staff to adopt a policy to remove barriers and reduce impact on staffing. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council for Workers’ Compensation for Public Safety Sworn Staff to adopt a policy to remove barriers and reduce impact on staffing was made by Commissioner Nguyễn, seconded by Vice Chair Ruttan. The following amendment was motioned by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Hermesmeyer. The amendment was to add to the third bullet point and insert “and awareness of process” after “workers compensation claims.” The amendment was approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo abstained. Commissioner Reyes was absent. The following amendment was motioned by Chair Ramírez, seconded by Commissioner Bernhardt. The amendment was to add the clause “WHEREAS, former sworn public safety personnel are bound by same worker’s compensation program and entitled to continued coverage for injuries sustained on the job;” before the last WHEREAS clause and to insert “current and former” to the …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION Community Police Review Commission & Austin Police Oversight Act Implementation Gail McCant, Director Mia Demers, Public Safety Compliance Program Manager Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager October 7, 2024 Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) Consists of eleven community volunteers selected by the City Manager. Separate and independent from the Austin Police Department. OPO working to re-establish CPRC in alignment with Municipal Code 2-15-4, Austin Police Oversight Act. CPRC: Eligibility & Selection • Applicants cannot have any personal or professional connections to any police department or police association. (§2-15-4) • Other eligibility requirements can only be instituted by amending the ordinance. (§2-15-4) Eligibility Selection • Commission will have eleven members. (§2-15-4) • Process must be open, the City Auditor will review applicant eligibility, the City Manager will make the final selection. (§2- 15-4) CPRC: Training Requirements Attend 20 hours of training created by the Office of Police Oversight within 90 days of their appointment, which shall be focused on the laws, rules and policies governing the conduct of police officers in Austin in accordance with recommendations of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement, and members may begin to serve before completion of training. Training Plan 9 hours projected at 8 hours • Training conducted by OPO, City Legal, and City Clerk: Currently projected at • Training conducted by the Austin Police Department (APD): Currently • Training conducted by NACOLE: Currently projected at 8 hours Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA) Implementation APOA Implementation Summary City Code § 2-15-3 Provisions in Compliance ✓ The Office of Police Oversight should provide recommendations to the City about how investigations involving officers are carried out and what the ✓ Provide recommendations to the City on how effective APD rules and procedures are for handling complaints about police officer misconduct, police officer training, when and how police officers use force, how the police interact with the community, and anything else the department does, are effective and outcomes are. § 2-15-3(B) suitable. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ Receive complaints and compliments from the community, including anonymous complaints and compliments. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ Act as a liaison between the community and APD during the complaint process. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ OPO can participate in investigations of complaints, may interview complainants to obtain more information. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ Provide the Chief of Police with recommendations based on complaint investigations and …
Public Safety Commission 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule 1st Monday of each month 1. January 6, 2025 2. February 3, 2025 3. March 3, 2025 4. April 7, 2025 5. May 5, 2025 6. June 2, 2025 7. July 7, 2025 8. August 4, 2025 9. September 8, 2025* 10. October 6, 2025 11. November 3, 2025 12. December 1, 2025 *Labor Day on September 1, 2025
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION October 7, 2024 at 4:00 PM Austin City Hall Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2ND Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Public Safety Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Angelica Reyes Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith REVISED AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. 3. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on January 9, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 6, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on September 9, 2024. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. DISCUSSION ITEMS Public Safety Quarterly Report by Austin Police Department, including an update on the license plate reader program. Update on Wildfire Readiness by Austin Fire Department, including an update on the PANO AI system by Austin Energy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and overview of the Office of Police Oversight’s progress on implementation of the Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA) and consideration of a Recommendation to Council. Approve a Public Safety Commissioner to serve on the Downtown Commission as a non- voting member. Approve the Public Safety Commission 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from the Training Academy Working Group on recent meetings with APD Training Academy Staff and next steps. Update from the Public Safety Wellness Center Working Group on meetings with Wellness Center staff to date and next steps. Update from the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group for the 2024 third quarter (Q3) with discussion of project scope item referencing sexual assault data. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS …
Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Project – Q3 2024 Update Austin Police Department Ge ne ra l Proje c t Upda te s • FY2025 funding requests were fully approved. • City Manager Broadnax received a project overview/update in September 2024. • OVW Abby Honold Grant was awarded to APD. It includes trauma- informed and victim-centered training for sexual assault and will be scoped in consideration of CSCRM once approved by Council. • Case Review (2021 & 2022) Draft Report is under review with the final report scheduled for completion in November. • APD and TCDA are meeting monthly to formalize policy, procedure, and process agreements. Quarterly case debriefings are beginning in Q4 2024. • Academy training class observations have begun with the 153rd Cadet Class. Award. • SCU Leadership and APD Co-Chairs reviewed project progression and made adjustments to assist with acceleration (for example, updating SOPs quarterly vs biannually). • SCU received the APD 2023 Investigations Meritorious Unit of the Year • Addition of two new elements of scope: • 15.18 Establish a process to coordinate scheduling of non-acute survivors that make first contact with a SANE establishment for SCU detective and Victim Services response. This is a scheduled service, not an on-demand service. • 15.19 Review and update the Sex Crimes Unit webpage found at https://www.austintexas.gov/department/apd-sex-crimes-unit. Q3 2024 2 Da s hboa rd Sta tus – Se pte m be r 2024 Sum m a ry: • Com ple te = 15% (18 Ite m s ) • In Progre s s = 72% (88 Ite m s ) • Not Sta rte d = 13% (16 Ite m s ) Q3 2024 *Note: Items listed as “Not Started” have not yet been assessed by the multi-disciplinary Workgroup, however improvements may have already been initiated and/or implemented by APD independently. 3 3 Burndown Tim e line – Se pte m be r 2024 We a re He re • Timeline estimates for each element of scope are being tracked by quarter. • Quarterly estimates are targets for completion and may be impacted by leadership transitions, funding, project team availability, and unforeseen constraints. Q3 2024 4 Proje c t Cha lle nge s & Ris ks • Training timeline is at risk and will be better understood once CSCRM is fully assessed and scoped in accordance with the OVW Abby Honold Grant. • CSCRM continues to track the …
