REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026, 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, contact Chelsea Pfeifer at chelsea.pfeifer@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2498. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Enrique Duran II, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Daniel Godwin David Holmes Michael Sierra-Arévalo CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Vice Chair Denise L Eger Kimberly Hidrogo Timothy Ruttan Yasmine Smith The first 5 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 June 1, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Quarterly Report from Austin Police Department. Presentation by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department. Discussion of Austin Police Association budget and sworn staff priorities. Presented by Michael Bullock, President, Austin Police Association. Discussion regarding citywide efforts to support vulnerable residents during extreme heat this summer. Presented by Jim Redick, Director, Austin Emergency Management, Greg McCormack, Program Manager II, Homeless Strategies and Operations Marc Coudert, Climate Resilience and Adaptation Manager, Climate Action and Resilience, and Ana Urueta, Emergency Management Manager, Austin Public Health. Discussion regarding the process for requesting future agenda items. 5. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 6. Update from Collective Sex Crime Response Model Working Group. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding continued funding of The Sobering Center. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Chelsea Pfeifer at the Austin City Clerk’s Office, at 512-974-2498 …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duran called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Enrique Duran II, Chair Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Timothy Ruttan Kimberly Hidrogo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: David Holmes Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos Léon- Cap Metro Ruben Rivera-Clement- Harassed by APD APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission Regular Called Meeting on May 4, 2026. The minutes from the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on May 4, 2026 were approved on Vice Chair Ramírez motion, Commissioner Ruttan’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo was off the dais. Commissioner Godwin was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Quarterly Report from Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Presentation by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. The presentation was made by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. 1 Discussion of Austin EMS Association budget and sworn staff priorities. Presented by James 3. Monks, President, Austin EMS Association. The presentation was made by James Monks, President, Austin EMS Association. 4. 5. Wildfire Readiness Update. Presentation by David Skowron, Division Chief, Austin Fire. The presentation was made by David Skowron, Division Chief and Jeff Kennedy, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire. Discussion regarding the Sobering Center. Presentation by Laura Elmore, Executive Director, The Sobering Center. The presentation was made by Laura Elmore, Executive Director, The Sobering Center. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion on EMS Pensions with EMS and EMS Association Discussion with Travis County Defender’s Office and APD- Update on data storage and distribution processes with APD, including body cam footage and related case data Preparation for heat and outreach plans for unhoused residents with AEM, HSO, ACAR Possible Recommendation regarding funding for The Sobering Center Possible Recommendation regarding funding for forensic exams and support for a multi-provider model Chair Duran adjourned the meeting at 5:58 p.m. without objection. 2
Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Project Status Update – Q1 2026 Austin Police | Date Quarterly Performance Summary Progress Snapshot (as of 03/31/2026) 81 of 123 scope items complete; 42 in progress Overall completion is 66% Project team now 33 individuals (20 APD, 13 Non-APD) Quarter Highlights 11 Scope Items completed in Q1 2026 Survivor Survey is now active Data Dashboard ready for publication – pending CoA approval 2nd annual APD SCU Case Review ready for publication – pending CoA approval Looking Ahead Project scope, excluding training, is nearing completion Discussions underway to consolidate and streamline CSCRM for remaining scope Abby Honold grant extended to Sep 2028 but remains at risk of being cut – project timelines not yet adjusted Q1 2026 Status Update 2 Overall Project Status as of 03/31/2026 Q1 2026 Status Update 3 Burndown Timeline Key Takeaways Project is 66% complete 42 items remain: Q2 2026 = 11 Items Q3 2026 = 8 Items Q4 2026 = 2 Items Q3 2027 = 21 Items Timeline Considerations Progress tracked quarterly for each scope item Timelines may shift due to leadership changes, funding, project team capacity, or other constraints. Q1 2026 Status Update We are Here % Complete: 9% 26% 57% 66% 75% 81% 83% 100% 4 Remaining Work Q2 2026 11 Total Q3 2026 8 Total • General Orders Updates (x4) • Patrol Response (x3) • Data Dashboard (x2) • APD SCU Website (x1) • Officer/Employee Wellness (x1) • Populations at Risk of Marginalization (x4) • Victim Services Staffing/Capacity (x2) • Crime Analyst Staffing/Capacity (x1) • Metrics for Culture & Downstream Orientation (x1) Q4 2026 2 Total • Audit & Oversight (x2) Q3 2027 21 Total • New Training Curriculum Development (x21)* * Includes both Abby Honold Grant + EVAWI Contract Q1 2026 Status Update 5 Challenges and Risks Forensic Exam Capacity Capacity constraints have been occurring for 2+ years SAFE Alliance (primary provider) facing budget crisis; services may cease May 31, 2026 CSCRM Steering Committee signed on to A/TC SARRT Call to Action as a Supporting Partner Confidential Community Advocacy Stability of services unknown via AFSSA and SAFE (the only Austin Travis County providers) Budget Dependent Scope Items Victim Services and Crime Analyst Staffing terms/recommendations are budget dependent Staffing …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Public Safety Commission Recommendation Number XXXXXXXX-XXX: Stable Funding for Sobering Center WHEREAS, The Austin Public Safety Commission serves as an advisory body to the city council on all budgetary and policy matters concerning public safety; and WHEREAS, the Public Safety Commission has been monitoring the Sobering Center with regular discussion on its role in public safety in Austin, most recently in June 2026. WHEREAS, in FY25 the Sobering Center served 2715 people while diverting 702 individuals from jail and 1385 people from the hospital.1 WHEREAS, the Sobering Center provides a benefit of approximately $2 dollars for every $1 spent in terms of reduced costs to public safety agencies and healthcare systems.2 WHEREAS, the Sobering Center has improved its minimum wage to $22 an hour to meet City of Austin guidelines for employees. WHEREAS, the direct dollar cost savings do not include the community benefits of reduced crime, healthier communities as well as improving individual health outcomes. WHEREAS, the City has consistently funded the Sobering Center at its requested levels in the final city budgets in prior years. WHEREAS, stability is important for the Sobering Center to be able to plan and continue its partnerships with public safety and healthcare entities in the City of Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Public Safety Commission recommends that the City Manager’s Office include stable funding for the Sobering Center at $3 million for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and that the City Council adopt this amount. 1 https://www.flipsnack.com/FD8F55BBDC9/fy25-annual-report/full-view.html 2 https://www.flipsnack.com/FD8F55BBDC9/fy25-annual-report/full-view.html BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Public Safety Commission recommends City Council and City Manager’s Office explore and support maintaining consistent funding options for the Sobering Center in future years to allow sustainable expansion of services and benefits for the people of Austin. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Seconded By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: __________________________________________________________
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Public Safety Commission Recommendation Number 20260706-007: Stable Funding for Sobering Center WHEREAS, The Austin Public Safety Commission serves as an advisory body to the city council on all budgetary and policy matters concerning public safety; and WHEREAS, the Public Safety Commission has been monitoring the Sobering Center with regular discussion on its role in public safety in Austin, most recently in June 2026. WHEREAS, in FY25 the Sobering Center served 2715 people while diverting 702 individuals from jail and 1385 people from the hospital.1 WHEREAS, the Sobering Center provides a benefit of approximately $2 dollars for every $1 spent in terms of reduced costs to public safety agencies and healthcare systems.2 WHEREAS, the Sobering Center has improved its minimum wage to $22 an hour to meet City of Austin guidelines for employees. WHEREAS, the direct dollar cost savings do not include the community benefits of reduced crime, healthier communities as well as improving individual health outcomes. WHEREAS, the City has consistently funded the Sobering Center at its requested levels in the final city budgets in prior years. WHEREAS, stability is important for the Sobering Center to be able to plan and continue its partnerships with public safety and healthcare entities in the City of Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Public Safety Commission recommends that the City Manager’s Office include stable funding for the Sobering Center at $3 million for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and that the City Council adopt this amount. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Public Safety Commission recommends City Council and City Manager’s Office explore and support maintaining consistent funding options for the Sobering 1 https://www.flipsnack.com/FD8F55BBDC9/fy25-annual-report/full-view.html 2 https://www.flipsnack.com/FD8F55BBDC9/fy25-annual-report/full-view.html Center in future years to allow sustainable expansion of services and benefits for the people of Austin. Date of Approval: July 6, 2026 Motioned By: Commissioner Ruttan Seconded By: Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo Vote: 7-0 For: Chair Duran, Vice Chair Ramírez, Commissioner Bernhardt, Commissioner Eger, Commissioner Godwin, Commissioner Ruttan, Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo Against: None. Abstain: None. Off the dais: None. Absent: Commissioner Hidrogo, Commissioner Holmes, Commissioner Smith Attest: Chelsea Pfeifer, Staff Liaison
APD Quarterly Update to PSC Austin Police | July 6, 2026 Crimes Against Persons by Offense Type December - May Source: Versadex 2 Crimes Against Property/Society by Offense Type December - May Source: Versadex 3 APD IMMIGRATION ENGAGEMENT – 2026 YTD Austin Police regularly engage with immigration and other federal officials. The table below shows the number of instances by engagement type and year. Totals are based on reviewed cases from January 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026. All APD immigration engagements are publicly published quarterly in accordance with Resolution No. 20180614-074. Immigration Engagement Type Assist Immigration/ Homeland Security Criminal Arrest Custody by ICE Information Gathering/Sharing Release Per Immigration Instructions Grand Total JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 2 1 2 1 0 6 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 2 6 0 2 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 2 3 0 6 Total YTD 3 8 4 6 4 25 Engagements by Type (Calendar Year 2026 YTD) Assist Immigration/Homeland Security, 12% Release Per Immigration Instructions, 16% Information Gathering/Sharing, 24% Criminal Arrest, 32% Custody by ICE, 16% Assist Immigration/Homeland Security - Engagements where APD provided direct operational support or assistance to federal immigration or homeland security agencies during an enforcement or investigative activity. Criminal Arrest - Engagements involving the arrest of an individual for a criminal offense, where immigration-related factors were also identified during the incident but not the reason for the arrest. Custody by ICE - Engagements where an individual was taken into custody by ICE. Information Gathering/Sharing- Engagements where APD collected, exchanged, or verified information related to a subject, without direct enforcement action. Release per Immigration Instructions - Engagements where no arrestable offense occurred and immigration officials indicated they would not be taking custody of the subject for an administrative immigration warrant at that time. Source: APD RMS as of July 1, 2026 4 DIGITAL EVIDENCE MANAGEMENT UNIT (DEMU) BACKLOG REDUCTION Since January 1, 2026, DEMU has significantly reduced the outstanding evidence backlog while continuing to process a high volume of incoming requests. OUTSTANDING REQUESTS DEMU REQUESTS YTD New Requests YTD Requests Closed YTD Net Change 10,153 19,045 -8,892 Jan 1, 2026 June 30, 2026 Change Total Outstanding Requests County Attorney Requests District Attorney Requests KEY TAKEAWAYS 10,936 1,745 -84% 5,691 305 -95% 5,245 1,440 -73% • DEMU reduced the total outstanding evidence request backlog from 10,936 …
Extreme Heat Citywide efforts to support vulnerable residents during extreme heat this summer. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION July 6, 2026 Outline 01 Heat Resilience Playbook 02 Emergency Management 03 Public Health 04 Homeless Strategies and Operations 05 Questions & Comments 2 CITY OF AUSTIN Heat Resilience Playbook Extreme Heat Impacts Our: AUSTIN’S HEAT EQUITY When there are major heat events, our residents who are most vulnerable feel it the worst. While all of Austin is expected to experience increases in extreme heat, not all residents face the same impacts. People with the least amount of resources or who spend time outdoors are most at risk — including outdoor workers, infants, elderly, incarcerated people, individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income communities, and people with chronic or mental illness. Heat Resilience Playbook Why have it? What is it? Temperatures are rising Council is asking for it The Community wants to know The City and local agencies are doing a lot! Heat Resilience Playbook identifies neighborhood-based and citywide projects, programs, and policies that combat extreme heat. This Playbook seeks to uplift existing City & agency-led heat resilience efforts Let’s communicate the strategies currently underway It’s not a plan No budget or timeline Who We Worked With ● Austin Bergstrom International Airport ● Austin Energy ● Austin Parks & Recreation ● Austin Planning ● Austin Public Health ● Austin Emergency Management ● Austin Public Libraries ● Austin Energy Green Building ● Austin Water ● Austin Homeless Strategies ● Austin Watershed Protection & Operations ● Austin Housing ● Austin Human Resources ● CapMetro ● Travis County Steps 01 02 03 04 Reviewed national & internal best practices Assessed how city, and agencies, compare to best practices. Identified 70+ strategies COA+ currently pursuing Reviewed findings with staff & drafted/ refined strategies Assembled strategies into report Austin’s Heat Resilience Playbook is Composed of 3 Pillars, Divided into 13 Strategies and 56 Actions 1.1 Heat Risk and Mitigation Communications 1.2 Enhanced Outreach During Extreme Heat 2.1 Cool Homes 3.1 Cool Buildings 2.2 Cool Community Spaces 3.2 Tree Planting and Maintenance 2.3 Outdoor Cool Oases 3.3 Parks and Green Space 1.3 Safety Measures and Policies 2.4 Cool Connections 3.4 Resilient Energy System 1.4 Data and Evaluation 3.5 Heat Resilience Planning Recent Projects Work with national and international cities Philanthropy grant funding for projects 10 Austin Emergency Management Director Jim Redick USDA https://makingtoughchoices.org/ Art by Alece Birnbach Austin Public Health Ana Urueta, Emergency …
