REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION Monday, December 2, 2024, 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 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on November 4, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Discussion of commissioner appointments in 2025, the holdover capacity, and quorum for the Public Safety Commission. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. Presentation regarding Public Safety Department mental health services and support for sworn staff. Presentation regarding Public Safety Department demographics and diversification efforts. 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 Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group on the plan for sexual assault 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. For more information on the Public Safety Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at (512-974- 2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov).
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, November 4, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, November 4, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, November 4, 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 Enrique Duran II Pierre Nguyễn Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: David Holmes Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on October 7, 2024. The minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on October 7, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Nguyễn’s motion, Vice Chair Ruttan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Holmes was off the dais. Commissioners Bernhardt, Hermesmeyer and Orr were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire Department, including an update on the October 2024 wildfire in East Austin. The presentation was made by Tom Vocke, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire Department. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, November 4, 2024 Vice Chair Ruttan requested a follow up on a suggestion to also include those who rent housing in outreach efforts. 3. Presentation regarding the new Public Safety Headquarters by Kimberly Olivares, Financial Services Department. The presentation was made by Kimberly Olivares, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services Department. 4. Presentation regarding the Death Notification Process within Victim Services by Kachina Clark, Austin Police Department. The presentation was made by Kachina Clark, Police Division Manager Victims Services, Austin Police Department and Connie Geerhart, Employee Wellness Program Manager Victims Services, Austin Police Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Public Safety Commissioner to serve on the Downtown Commission as a non- voting member per City Code 2-1-140-C. Discussed with no action. Chair Ramírez indicated the item would be brought back at the next meeting. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the Training Academy Working Group on the training academy cadet class audit reports received. Chair Ramírez provided an update. Chair Ramírez and Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo requested the training academy cadet class audit reports include more granular data in a spreadsheet format that would include ongoing updates, a compare and contrast and in progress goals. 7. Update from the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group on planned …
Emergency Medical Services Incident and Response Data FY24 Q4 Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff 1 Incidents, Patient Contacts, Transports January 2021 – October 2024 Incidents | Patient Contacts | Patient Transports January 2021 - October 2024 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 1 2 - n a J 1 2 - b e F 1 2 - r a M 1 2 - r p A 1 2 - y a M 1 2 - n u J 1 2 - l u J 1 2 - g u A 1 2 - p e S 1 2 - t c O 1 2 - v o N 1 2 - c e D 2 2 - n a J 2 2 - b e F 2 2 - r a M 2 2 - r p A 2 2 - y a M 2 2 - n u J 2 2 - l u J 2 2 - g u A 2 2 - p e S 2 2 - t c O 2 2 - v o N 2 2 - c e D 3 2 - n a J 3 2 - b e F 3 2 - r a M 3 2 - r p A 3 2 - y a M 3 2 - n u J 3 2 - l u J 3 2 - g u A 3 2 - p e S 3 2 - t c O 3 2 - v o N 3 2 - c e D 4 2 - n a J 4 2 - b e F 4 2 - r a M 4 2 - r p A 4 2 - y a M 4 2 - n u J 4 2 - l u J 4 2 - g u A 4 2 - p e S 4 2 - t c O Incidents Patient Contacts Patient Transports 2 P1 Compliance by District FY24 Q4 Priority 1 Compliance by District FY24 Q4 79.13% 75.00% 72.36% 67.38% 65.57% 69.66% 68.04% 64.86% 88.56% 59.09% 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 % Goal Met 3 P1 Response Interval by District FY24 Q4 Priority 1 Response Interval by District FY24 Q4 12.43 11.88 11.98 13.02 13.25 12.97 13.10 12.68 13.57 10.30 7.10% …
Emergency Medical Services Public Safety Commission Meeting FY24 Q4 Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff 1 Medic Openings 38 Field 8 Communication Current EMS Department Staffing Authorized Strength Filled Sworn Sworn Vacancies Vacancies Vacancy Rate 698 595 103 September 30, 2024 Rank EMS Assistant Chief EMS Captain - Communications EMS Captain - Field EMS Clinical Spec - Comm EMS Clinical Spec - Field EMS Commander - Communications EMS Commander - Field EMS Division Chief EMS Medic - Communications EMS Medic - Field EMS Chief Paramedic Practitioner EMS Paramedic Practitioner TOTAL Q4 AVERAGE Authorized Sworn Staffing 4 11 81 29 293 5 40 10 14 206 1 4 698 0 1 3 1 51 0 0 1 8 38 0 0 103 0.00 9.09 3.70 3.45 17.41 0.00 0.00 10.00 57.14 18.45 0.00 0.00 14.76 16.90 2 Sworn Separations Sworn Separations by Type 25 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 2 1 1 1 5 2 11 Resigned Retired EMS Assistant Chief EMS Captain - Comm EMS Captain - Field EMS Clinical Spec - Comm EMS Clinical Spec - Field EMS Commander - Comm EMS Commander - Field EMS Division Chief EMS Medic - Comm EMS Medic - Field 3 Sworn Tenure at Separation Sworn Tenure at Separation 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 3 3 1 1 4 3 2 1 1 1 2 1 d e n g i s e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R EMS Assistant Chief EMS Captain - Comm EMS Captain - Field EMS Clinical Spec - Comm EMS Clinical Spec - Field EMS …
Austin Police Department EMPLOYEE WELLNESS Kachina Clark, LCSW, Connie Geerhart, LCSW-S, Sergeant Jennifer Smith • Victim Services & Employee Wellness • Peer Support Sergeant APD WELLNESS TEAM Division Manager • Employee Wellness Program Manager • Fitness & Wellness Program Coordinator • Police Psychologists • Pet Team Handlers • Volunteer Chaplains • Peer Support Officers • Peer Support Auxiliary Officers • Peer Support Retiree Coordinator • Peer Support Retiree Volunteers 2 2 FITNESS AND WELLNESS • Health consults • Fitness, basic nutrition • InBody reading • Educational classes • Monthly webinars • Gym facilities • Communication • Instagram: apd.fitness.wellness • SportsYou app: APD Health and Wellness 3 3 MENTAL HEALTH • Individual Counseling • Psychoeducational Sessions • Debriefings • Group • Individual 4 4 FAITH BASED • Volunteer Chaplain Program • Spiritual support and ministerial services • Weddings, funerals, graduations, & other ceremonies • Officer ride alongs and office visits 5 5 PET COMFORT • Unconditional Furry Love • Office Visits and Special Events “I am finding myself off the clock but still thinking about Pinto and Faith. I have shared my day with everyone in my life and boasted about getting to spend time with them. I just want to let you know how much it means to me to be a participant of this program. It is truly so amazing that this is being provided at APD. So… thank you so much for making this happen. Faith and Pinto literally changed my day and gave me 10-15 minutes stress-free. I even felt moved (and highly emotional) by Faith’s example of resiliency and adversity. She is a role model.” 6 6 INITIATIVES • Wellness series for specialized units • On-site Yoga • Clinical support and consultation • Professional Advisory Committee 7 7 PEER SUPPORT • Critical Incidents/CISM Debriefings • Welfare checks health • Provide resources and support • Assistance with family related issues, substance abuse treatment, and mental “I wanted to thank your team, yet again, for doing what they do…I strongly believe they saved the life of one of my guys…Appreciate it more than I can express.” 8 8 CITY WELLNESS RESOURCES • Blue Cross/Blue Shield: Long-term counseling/behavioral health services through City medical plans, call 888-907-7880 • ComPsych Employee Assistance Program: 1-866-586-1456; guidanceresources.com (organization web id: austintexas.gov) • City of Austin Healthy Connections Division 9 9 Emergency Medical Services Mental Health & Support Services Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff …
AUSTIN PUBLIC SAFETY WELLNESS CENTER Public Safety Wellness Team The Purpose of PIO •Clinic Administrator • Medical Physicians • Psychologists • Program Manager • RN Supervisor • Medical and Fitness Staff •Peer Support Lieutenant •Chaplain Program 2 Medical and Fitness Services Services include: • Annual Physicals • Return to Work (Injuries off and on the job) • Hiring exams • Cardiovascular assessments • Vaccinations • Fitness Services Individual Consults • • Fitness assessments • Academy PT sessions • Infection Control 3 Mental Health Services include: • Confidential evidence-based therapy for employees and their dependent family members o Individual, couples and family therapy o Consultations and referrals to outside treatment options o Mental health crisis interventions • Behavioral health checks • • Psychoeducation provided to all levels from cadets to leadership • Critical Incident Response, Debriefings and After-actions Pre-employment psychological evaluations (ATCEMS) 4
Peer Support • Scope of Work: • Promotes behavioral health, resiliency, and self-care resources. • Assistance during family/work emergencies. • Post-traumatic incident response. • Cadet mentoring. • Outreach to personnel on extended leave. Divine Canines Scope of Work : Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol , while the social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin. • Divine Canines visit fire stations each week to help alleviate stress for on-duty crews. • Our partner dogs also provide comfort by being present at memorials and other events. Chaplains • Participation in ceremonies and event such as Cadet graduation, funerals, award ceremonies, etc. • Respond to calls placed to the Chaplain Resource Line to provide counseling when requested • Attend Behavioral Wellness training when available
AUSTIN FIRE Public Safety Commission Meeting Demographics & Recruiting Chief of Staff Rob Vires 1 D e m o g r a p h i c s a s o f 1 1 / 2 2 / 2 4 White 827 66% Black or African American 68 5% Hispanic or Latino 288 23% American Indian/ Alaska Native 5 0% Asian 22 2% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 4 0% Two or More Races 11 1% Other 23 2% Choose Not to Disclose 5 0% Total 1254 100% 7.4 % (93) Female 0.6% (7) Other 6% Black or African American Hispanic or Latino 23% American Indian/ Alaska Native White Asian 0% 2% 0% 1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Two or More Races 2% 0% Other Choose Not to Disclose 66% 2 For more, visit www.austintexas.gov/joinafd R e c r u i t i n g Racial Equity Statement The Austin Fire Department (AFD) understands that Black, Indigenous, and other People Of Color (BIPOC) have historically been underrepresented in the Department due to structural and systemic racism. This discrimination is not reflective of the direction the Department is going nor a true representation of the Austin community. AFD is committed to centering people of color to ensure there is equitable access to opportunities within AFD, and to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to be their full, authentic selves. To advance equitable outcomes for the community, AFD will lead with a lens of racial equity and healing to ensure hard-to-reach and directly impacted communities receive the resources they need. Race is the primary predictor of life outcomes and we must address racism at its various levels to ensure Austin is a racially equitable city where everyone has a sustainable quality of life. 3 R e c r u i t i n g • Focusing more energy on outreach programs to generate a lasting interest in the Fire service and to engage recruits through this non- hiring year. • A Cadet in Class 138 participated in both Explorers and Pass the Torch – this is the first time! F i r e E x p l o r e r s P o s t 3 7 0 The Explorers (ages 14-20) meet once a month to learn about careers in the fire service directly from members in the Austin Fire Department. P a s s t h e T o r c h …
Austin Police Department Demographics & Personnel Diversification Efforts Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis & Chief of Staff Robin J. Henderson Professional & Sworn Staff Professional Sworn Cadet Demographic American Indian Asian Black or African American Choose not to disclose Hispanic or Latino 2 or more races Native Hawaiian/Pacific Isl White Totals Gender Male Female 0 14 88 9 192 15 0 298 616 201 415 0 44 122 9 381 18 2 927 1503 1321 183 1 2 2 0 17 4 0 14 40 33 9 As of Nov. 19, 2024 2 2 Diversification Efforts • Recruiting Trips: • Prairie View A & M • Texas Southern University • Huston-Tillotson University • Recruiters Attended: • Austin Asian Summit at the Austin American Resource Center • National Night Out • SXSW • Pop Up Events 3 3 Diversification Efforts • Individual Recruiters working with the "APD Youth Program" in partnership with the African American Youth Foundation (AAYHF) which is targeting youth input and recruitment at the following schools: • Travis Early College • LBJ Early College • Northeast Early College • Eastside Early College • Garza Independence • Akins Early College • Ann Richards School for Women Leaders 4 4 Diversification Efforts All-in-one career network for students to get ahead and get hired, find jobs, connect with recruiters, and make career moves. It is a distraction-free career destination for support, info, inspiration, and guidance. Target applicants in specific demographics - female college students and students of color at HBCUs at colleges and universities across the country. 5 5 Diversification Efforts 30X30 • Averaged across the three cycles, 20% of our Cadets are female, versus 11% of the Dept. (151st – 153rd Cadet Classes) • Photo shoots and short video reels centered on female officers and their experiences on the job • Texas Women's University recruiting trips in 2025 6 6 Diversification Efforts • In person recruiting efforts are chosen to maximize diversity and the number • Now under contract have ability to host out of state testing: of applicants • New York City • New Jersey • Puerto Rico 7 7 Diversification Efforts • APPLY NOW!! • APDRECRUITING.ORG 8 8 Austin Police Department Questions?
Emergency Medical Services Sworn Demographics & Diversification Efforts Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff 1 Sworn Ethnicity American Indian/Alaska Native, 1, 0% Asian, 12, 2% Black or African American, 10, 2% White, 413, 71% Choose Not To Disclose, 3, 0% Hispanic or Latino, 133, 23% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Isl, 3, 1% No Response, 2, 0% Two or more races, 5, 1% American Indian/Alaska Native Asian Black or African American Choose Not To Disclose Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian/Pacific Isl No Response Two or more races White 2 Sworn Gender No Response, 6, 1% Female, 155, 27% Male, 421, 72% Female Male 3 Communications Division Ethnicity by Rank White, 17 18 16 14 12 10 8 2 0 Hispanic or Latino, 10 White, 8 6 Hispanic or Latino, 2 4 Black or African American, 1 EMS Captain - Communications EMS Clinical Spec - Comm EMS Commander - Communications EMS Medic - Communications Black or African American Hispanic or Latino White, 5 White, 5 White Black or African American, 1 4 Communications Division Gender by Rank Female, 16 Male, 12 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Female, 6 Male, 4 EMS Captain - Communications EMS Clinical Spec - Comm EMS Medic - Communications Female, 5 Male, 1 Male, 3 Female, 2 EMS Commander - Communications Female Male 5 Field Division Ethnicity by Rank White, 177 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 40 20 0 Black or African American, 5 Native Hawaiian/Pacific Isl, 3 Black or African American, 1 White, 89 American Indian/Alaska Native, 1 60 White, 65 Asian, 1 Hispanic or Latino, 8 Black or African American, 2 Hispanic or Latino, 56 Two or more races, 3 Choose Not To Disclose, 2 No Response, 1 Hispanic or Latino, 49 White White, 30 Choose Not To Disclose, 1 Asian, 4 No Response, 1 Two or more races, 2 Asian, 5 Hispanic or Latino, 8 Asian, 1 EMS Captain - Field EMS Clinical Spec - Field EMS Commander - Field EMS Medic - Field American Indian/Alaska Native Asian Black or African American Choose Not To Disclose Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian/Pacific Isl No Response Two or more races 6 Field Division Gender by Rank Male, 192 250 200 150 100 50 0 Male, 67 Female, 57 Male, 31 Female, 47 Female, 10 No Response, 3 Female, 8 No Response, 3 EMS Captain - Field EMS Clinical Spec - Field EMS Commander …
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: …
