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: …
Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers PENDING QUESTIONS: October 7, 2024 – Regular Meeting Item 4. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police Department, including an update on the license plate reader program. 1. Can APD help us get a better understanding of violent crime going down, violent crime clearance rates staying the same, and account for APD staffing as it relates to those stats? The data suggests that violent crime over all is slightly treading down. Crime clearance rates vary depending on the type of crime and there is no definitive way to corollate APD staffing to clearance rates. 2. How many people were stopped that did not result in an arrest (false positive stops) via the License Plate Reader Program? See question 4 below. Reader Program? 3. What amount of data was shared to state or other agencies via the License Plate We have received no requests for data sharing/preservation, and we do not share our cameras directly with other agencies (the system is capable of sharing directly, but we do not allow it to be utilized in this way to ensure compliance with the city resolution). 4. Data on demographics of people with false positive arrests via the License Plate Reader Program. During the first two audit periods (Go live/March 28, 2024, to Sept 30, 2024), There were 21 incidents where subjects were detained in connection with ALPR information, but no arrest was made. Of these incidents, the driver in those stops was identified as a female 7 times and a male 14 times. Of these incidents, the driver was identified as black 3 times, Middle Eastern 1 times, and white 17 times. Detaining someone associated with a stolen vehicle/stolen license plate, STOP and ID bolo, etc, will not necessarily result in an arrest. In reviewing the dataset, the most frequent reason for someone being stopped/detained but not arrested is a function of the vehicle owner/driver reporting a stolen license plate but still having the plates displayed on their vehicle. The is one STOP and ID for Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers a kidnapping suspect (APD identified the suspect, but the case was not ready to be filed as further investigation needed to be conducted). If I were going to look into "false positive stops," it would be a situation in which the ALPR system and Officer made a mistake. For example, the Officer gets …
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 …
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 …
AU ST IN FIRE D EP AR TMENT Wildfire Readiness Update Jeffrey Kennedy– Assistant Chief Justice Jones – Wildfire Mitigation Officer BE IT RESOLVED... "Provide a progress report every six months to the Public Safety Commission for the following important components of a comprehensive WUI risk reduction plan." Council Resolution NO. 20160512-016 The information presented in this update are maintained in real-time through dynamic data 11 Wildfire Readiness Update 1. The number of local CWPP’s completed and implemented. 2. The number of local CWPP's started but not completed. 3. The percentage of high-risk WUI areas in which identification of potential local CWPP planning areas is ongoing. 4. The number of public presentations and home assessments provided. 5. The number, size, type and location of fuel mitigation activities conducted. 6. The number of training hours received and conducted. 2 2 1) The number of local CWPP's completed and implemented is 23. Local level CWPP’s are community led initiatives that AFD facilitates and supports. We have 20 Firewise Communities ‘In Good Standing’ and another 3 communities that are ‘Inactive’. Wildfire Division staff are currently re-engaging with those communities. Barton Hills community is on track to become our newest Firewise community in the next six months. AU ST I N CW PP ’ s 3 2) The number of local CWPP's started but not completed is 23. Local level CWPP’s are community led initiatives that AFD facilitates and supports. Three of these communities have re-engaged with AFD in the last six months, and five communities are engaged to the degree where we anticipate them becoming Firewise in the next six months. Acti ve & En ga ged Sentence or subheading goes Here on the page in the header box. 4 3) The percentage of high-risk WUI areas in which identification of potential local CWPP planning areas is still ongoing is 49%. Of the 14% of Austin classified as high risk, 51% is covered by a local level CWPP, 49% are identified as opportunity zones. High R isk Ar ea s 5 4) The number of public presentations and home assessments provided in the past 6 months. 29 Presentations and events, and 55 home assessments provided. The Wildfire Division has taken measures in the last six months to dramatically increase our capability to provide home assessments. We have also increased our footprint in the Eastern Crescent. Outre ac h Acti vi ties 6 5) …
CSCRM Working Group Project Scope Item 15.9: Utilize Public Safety Commission to review aggregated sexual assault case data. Data elements to be considered for regular reporting SAFE Alliance (by County or for Travis County Only) • # of total (unduplicated) encounters/contacts/requests • # of forensic exam evidence collections • #completed at time of request • #unable to be completed at time of request or referred elsewhere (include break- down of why (no nurse, no advocate, etc.)) • #completed at a time later than requested • # of medical services (not counting forensic exams) • # completed at time of request • # unable to be completed at time of request or referred elsewhere (include break-down of why (no nurse, no advocate, etc.)) • # completed at a time later than requested • # of consults only • # completed at time of request • # unable to be completed at time of request or referred elsewhere (include break-down of why (no nurse, no advocate, etc.)) • # completed at a time later than requested Austin Police Department • # calls for service by offense type (SCU only) • # of new cases opened by highest offense code (SCU only) • # of cases ‘closed’ by case clearance status (SCU internal status type) • # cases staffed • Victim demographics (#, age range, race/ethnicity, gender) Travis County District Attorney (by Law Enforcement Agency) • # of cases staffed • # of total cases available for prosecution • # declined • # pending further investigation • # accepted • # rejected or dismissed (include break-down of why) • # indicted • # no billed • # pled • # tried (include break-down of results)
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) -2- 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. -3- 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) -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 -5- Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA) Implementation -6- 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 …
Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers PENDING QUESTIONS: October 7, 2024 – Regular Meeting Item 4. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police Department, including an update on the license plate reader program. 1. Can APD help us get a better understanding of violent crime going down, violent crime clearance rates staying the same, and account for APD staffing as it relates to those stats? Pending 2. How many people were stopped that did not result in an arrest (false positive stops) via the License Plate Reader Program? Pending 3. What amount of data was shared to state or other agencies via the License Plate 4. Data on demographics of people with false positive arrests via the License Plate Reader Program? Pending Reader Program. Pending Item 5. Update on Wildfire Readiness by Austin Fire Department, including an update on the PANO AI system by Austin Energy. 1. Has AFD worked to provide the unhoused community with fire extinguishers? Several of Homeless Strategy Office’s (HSO) partner agencies provide meals to individuals experiencing homelessness, including Caritas of Austin and Sunrise Navigation Center. Additionally, multiple faith-based and community-based groups that are not HSO-affiliated provide food/meals to people experiencing homelessness. Lastly, our street outreach staff (and our street outreach partners) provide fire safety tips to people experiencing homelessness. 2. Has AFD considered and/or partnered with other organizations to provide prepared meals to the unhoused to prevent cooking fires? Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) has also partnered with Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) who have assisted with fire extinguisher distribution to people experiencing homelessness. Item 8. Update from the Training Academy Working Group on recent meetings with APD Training Academy Staff and next steps. 1. Request for Academy cadet class completion reports recommended by Audit Protocol Guidelines1 for cadet classes completed since final Kroll report on 148th Cadet Academy. See Exhibit A and B 1 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=383863 Exhibit A 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 …
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. …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION September 9, 2024 at 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 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. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on August 5, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Update from Public Safety Commissioners on the Austin Police Department Police Chief interview panel. Update on Text to 911 by Chief Jeff Greenwalt, Austin Police Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 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. Approve the formation of a Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group to devise recommendations in support of the CSCRM’s project objectives until completion. WORKING GROUP UPDATES FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Update from Austin Police Department Training Academy Working Group to include the progress on the review of content so far and an outline of the work plan. 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; …
