REGULAR MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026, 4:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM #1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 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 August 3, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Quarterly Report with Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Presented by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Discussion with Auditor’s Office regarding recent Mental Health Audit. Presented by Kathie Harrison, Assistant City Auditor, Austin City Auditor’s Office and Mariel Dempster, Auditor II, Austin City Auditor’s Office. 4. Discussion regarding the TRUST act and its application to public safety technologies and data sharing between governmental entities. Presented by Mackenzie Rhine, Attorney and Board Member, Electric Frontier Foundation. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding public safety surveillance technology and data sharing. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the Mental Health Audit. 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 or chelsea.pfeifer@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Public Safety Commission please …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, August 3, 2026 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, August 3, 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 Michael Sierra-Arévalo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Daniel Godwin David Holmes Kimberly Hidrogo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León- Law breaking and gangstalking David Girouard- FY 27 Proposed Budget (Fire) Stephanie Ryan- general remarks APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission Regular Called Meeting on July 6, 2026. The minutes from the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on July 6, 2026 were approved on Chair Duran’s motion, Vice Chair Ramírez’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Smith abstained. Commissioners Eger and Ruttan were absent. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY AUGUST 3, 2026 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Quarterly Report from Austin Fire Department. Presentation by Chief Tom Vocke, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire. The presentation was made by Tom Vocke, Chief of Staff, Ausin Fire. Presentation by Austin Equity Inclusion regarding the Human Rights Impact Review. Presented by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. The presentation was made by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Discussion regarding the TRUST act and its application to public safety technologies and data sharing between governmental entities. Presented by Mackenzie Rhine, Attorney and Board Member, Electric Frontier Foundation. Withdrawn without objection. Discussion regarding Key Performance Indicators as a part of the City Budget for Safety Departments. Presented by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police, Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin-Travis County EMS, Tom Vocke, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire. The presentation was made by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police, Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin-Travis County EMS, Tom Vocke, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a recommendation to the Austin City Council Regarding Austin Police Department’s 2027 Budget and Lack of Performance Metrics for the Austin Police Department Training Academy. The motion to approve a recommendation to the Austin City Council regarding Austin Police Department’s 2027 Budget and Lack of Performance Metrics for the Austin Police Department Training Academy was …
Sworn Public Safety Employee Mental Health Audit Austin City Auditor’s Office | September 8, 2026 Background Public safety employees are critical to the safety of Austin 3,300+ sworn employees September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 2 Image sources: City of Austin Digital Asset Manager. What we found 2 Findings 1 Additional Observation 5 Recommendations September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 3 Finding 1 The City provides mental health supports for public safety employees, but some employees are hesitant to use them or feel they do not address the root causes of stress. September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 4 Austin provides resources in line with peer cities and best practices Public Safety Wellness Center Image source: City Auditor’s Office. Peer Support Teams Licensed Mental Health Providers Medical Services Chaplains Fitness Services Pet Therapy Team September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 5 Despite some satisfaction with resources employees may not feel supported % of survey respondents who felt their peers versus department leadership cared for their mental health and well-being AFD APD EMS 95% 88% 78% 21% 25% 21% Peers Leadership Peers Leadership Peers Leadership September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 6 Some employees reported concerns about using resources 30% had concerns about the confidentiality of City resources “[The resources] come from the sources of the stress, so the same offices that are causing the issues are pushing out the solutions.” -APD Employee “No one really trusts those services and there is a general feeling that it does not matter.” -AFD Employee “We can’t speak up if we're afraid of being stigmatized” -EMS Employee September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 7 Significant sources of stress may not be addressed by available supports Workload and schedule Sleep and rest Cumulative stress September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 8 Finding 2 Public safety employees may not receive consistent or proactive mental health support across departments. September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 9 Resources and access may vary across departments September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 10 Resources and access may vary across departments September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 11 Resources and access may vary across departments September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 12 Resources and access may vary across departments September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 13 Resources and access may vary across departments September 2026 | Austin City Auditor 14 Proactive interventions could be enhanced • More than 50% of respondents …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 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 July 6, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Quarterly Report from Austin Fire Department. Presentation by Chief Tom Vocke, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire. Presentation by Austin Equity Inclusion regarding the Human Rights Impact Review. Presented by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Discussion regarding the TRUST act and its application to public safety technologies and data sharing between governmental entities. Presented by Mackenzie Rhine, Attorney and Board Member, Electric Frontier Foundation. 5. Discussion regarding Key Performance Indicators as a part of the City Budget for Safety Departments. Presented by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police, Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin-Travis County EMS, Tom Vocke, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to the Austin City Council Regarding Austin Police Department’s 2027 Budget and Lack of Performance Metrics for the Austin Police Department Training Academy. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding public safety surveillance technology and data sharing. 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 …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Public Safety Commission Recommendation Number: 20260803-006: Recommendation to the Austin City Council Regarding the Austin Police Department’s 2027 Budget and Lack of Performance Metrics for the Austin Police Department Training Academy Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve the 2027 budget for the Austin Police Department with no increase above the 2026 funding level, except for the funds necessary to fulfill labor contract obligations; and add detailed performance metrics to the training and recruitment programs at Austin Police Department. WHEREAS, the Austin Police Department Training Academy has been a locus of concern among city leaders and community advocates for over eight years; WHEREAS, despite this focus, there are no meaningful performance metrics linked to the Training Academy and the Training Academy continues to be a black box that for every 100 cadets who enter, fewer than 62 Austin Police Officers complete the Academy. WHEREAS, in December 2019, the Austin City Council suspended APD’s Training Academy to facilitate a review and over hall of the curriculum; WHEREAS, City Council and community leaders’ concerns focused on training materials and teaching that reinforced racially biased policing, reducing incidents of inappropriate and excessive use of force by APD, and the academy’s role in instilling a “warrior” mentality in officers charged with keeping Austinites safe; WHEREAS, the Training Academy re-opened in June of 2021, without completion of the independent curriculum review, without clearly addressing council members and community concerns and without permitting independent community monitors to observe classes in the academy; WHEREAS, the Austin Public Safety Commission has monitored and repeatedly expressed concern regarding the lack of verifiable changes in the curriculum and training provided by the academy, as well as no indication that the culture of the academy had been transformed; WHEREAS, the Austin Public Safety Commission has monitored and expressed repeated concerns regarding regular cadet academy retention rates; WHEREAS, between 2022 and 2026, 26.5% to 52.7% of cadets new to policing failed to complete the nine-month Training Academy because they either quit or were terminated from the program, resulting in a total of 220 cadets dropping out of the Training Academy; . WHEREAS, if the Training Academy had a dropout rate at the national average of 15%, Austin would have 134 more police officers on the force today; WHEREAS, the Austin Police Department also has a significant attrition problem during the first two years …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 6, 2026 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duran called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Enrique Duran II, Chair Timothy Ruttan Michael Sierra-Arévalo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Daniel Godwin Denise Eger PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ruben Rivera- Clemente- Harassment of Police APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission Regular Called Meeting on June 1, 2026. The minutes from the Public Safety Commission meeting were approved with the following amendments on Commission Eger’s motion, Commission Ruttan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Bernhardt was off the dais. Commissioners Hidrogo, Holmes and Smith were absent. The first amendment was to strike “February 2” from the first sentence, and insert the date “June 1” as follows: “The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 2 June 1, 2026…” The second amendment was to insert Commissioner Denise Eger’s name under Commissioners in Attendance. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY JULY 6, 2026 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Quarterly Report from Austin Police Department. Presentation by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department. The presentation was made 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. The presentation was made 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 Action and Adaptation Manager, Climate Action and Resilience, and Ana Urueta, Emergency Management Manager, Austin Public Health. The presentation was made by Jim Redick, Director, Austin Emergency Management, Christopher Anderson, Homeless Strategy Deputy Officer, Homeless Strategies and Operations, Marc Coudert, Climate Action and Adaptation Manager, Climate Action and Resilience, and Ana Urueta, Emergency Management Manager, Austin Public Health. 5. Discussion regarding the process for requesting future agenda items. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from Collective Sex Crime Response Model Working Group. The update was given by Vice Chair Ramirez. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding continued funding of The …
Public Safety Commission Quarterly Austin Fire | Tom Vocke | Chief of Staff | FY26 Q2 Emergency Response Time Trends Incident Volume (All Priorities) 103,626 109,280 110,304 108,750 107,659 89,541 89,563 81,973 86,636 87,935 92,612 89,797 85,989 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26* Response Times (Priorities 1-3, 4M) 8:51 9:00 9:13 9:12 9:24 9:35 Response Time Standard: 8 minutes 9:58 10:28 9:55 10:28 10:32 10:25 10:22 130,000 110,000 90,000 70,000 11:00 10:00 9:00 8:00 7:00 6:00 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26* *Projected number based on current call volume and response times, Oct 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026 On Jul 8, 2025, the Chief Medical Officer evaluated medical dispatching in collaboration with ATCEMS and AFD, which will have an effect on call dispatching/volume. 2 Facility Improvement Projects Recently Completed Projects: Station 33 Internal ceiling replacement completed March 30 Station 21 Maintenance started July 11 Engine 21 temporarily at Station 19 Fire Station 21 3 Automatic Aid Dispatching the closest unit to a 911 call, regardless of department or jurisdiction. Auto Aid contributes to decreased response times for Austin and Travis County. Recent Success: On the morning of April 1st, a fire occurred at 10302 Spring Circle, in the Oak Hill area. Six AFD units responded together with four Oak Hill Fire Department (ESD 3) units. Under Oak Hill FD command, AFD and Oak Hill units coordinated with each other to extinguish the fire. AFD and ESD 3 and other ESD units during training. 4 Overdose Response FY26 Q3 All AFD personnel are trained on Naloxone administration and each unit carries the medication. The increase in FY25 Q3 may be due to new reporting requirements for Narcan use starting Dec 2024. 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 154 115 75 122 117 81 140 106 71 143 86 73 97 66 50 106 76 58 FY25 Q2 FY25 Q3 FY25 Q4 FY26 Q1 FY26 Q2 FY26 Q3 Total calls where Narcan was given Number of times AFD administered or assisted Patient improvement cases 5 Investigations Percent of Arson Fires Cleared: - FY25 Q4: - FY26 Q1: - FY26 Q2: - FY26 Q3: 36% 36% 44% 50% National Clearance Rate: 22% FY26 Q1: 42 total fires investigated FY26 Q2: 34 total fires investigated FY26 Q3: 18 total fires investigated …
Mayor s Committee for People with Disabilities Human Rights Impact Review Austin Equity and Inclusion Public Safety Commission Monday, August 3, 2026, 4:00 PM (City Hall) What is a Human Rights Framework? A huma n right s fra me work e va lua t e s gove rnme nt pe rforma nc e t hrough t he le ns of residents’ rights, dignity, a nd equitable access to services. Ra t he r t ha n a s king whe t he r progra ms e xis t , it a s ks whe t he r pe ople 's right s a re be ing fulfille d a nd whe re barriers re ma in. Why is it necessary and how does it support the City? Policies and services can exist without reaching those who need them most. A human rights framework helps identify gaps, improve accountability, and ensure that city decisions advance dignity, equity, and access for all residents. 2 Co-Created Impact Review The City engaged He ne kom Group, a huma n right s c ons ult ing firm, t o c onduc t a n inde pe nde nt Huma n Right s Impa c t Re vie w. The re vie w inc lude d re s e a rc h a c ros s 160+ sources , e nga ge me nt wit h more t ha n 300 stakeholders , a nd a c ommunit y works hop wit h 120 participants priorit ize huma n right s ris ks a nd t o ide nt ify a nd opport unit ie s a c ros s 12 ke y is s ue a re a s . The re s ult ing re c omme nda t ions we re c o- c re a t e d, re fle c t ing c ommunit y input a nd be s t pra c t ic e from int e rna t iona l huma n right s s t a nda rds . 3 City of Austin - Human Rights Framework "Design and implement a Human Rights framework for assessing existing City services and programs to improve accessibility and responsiveness for residents' needs." 160+ 300+ Sources and commissions reviewed Stakeholders identified and engaged 120 Registered workshop attendees 92 Issues identified 69 Propos e d mit iga t ion for s a …
FY 2027–2028 Public Safety Performance Overview Chief of Staff Wesley Hopkins, Austin Travis County EMS | Chief of Staff Lee Rogers, Austin Police Department | Chief of Staff Tom Vocke, Austin Fire Department Public Safety Commission | August 3, 2026 Agenda Topic: Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services - Key Performance Indicators and Milestones Time: -- minutes Austin Police – Key Performance Indicators and Milestones -- minutes Austin Fire – Key Performance Indicators and Milestones --minutes Citywide Strategic Plan – Public Safety Measures and Milestones --minutes 2 Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) | Austin Travis County EMS July 2026 Key Performance Indicator Percent of potentially life-threatening responses in City of Austin (Priority 1) within 9 minutes and 59 seconds Percent of patients in cardiac arrest from cardiac causes delivered to an appropriate medical facility with a return of circulation Percent of 911 calls dispositioned without the use of a frontline MICU (Mobile Intensive Care Unit) ambulance Percent of opiate overdose patients receiving Narcan prior to EMS arrival FY24 Actual Result FY25 Actual Result FY26 Estimate FY26 Target FY27 Target FY28 Target 73.00 75.50 77.00 75.00 80.00 85.00 28.60 29.20 25.00 30.00 31.00 32.00 4.48 7.07 7.98 9.00 11.00 14.00 49.00 51.00 55.00 55.00 55.00 60.00 4 Key Milestones | Austin Travis County EMS July 2026 Key Milestone Target Completion Launch a real-time dispatch record correction and annotation system to improve data accuracy and operational reporting for authorized personnel Implement a comprehensive recruitment and onboarding strategy to improve hiring efficiency and retention for Field and Communications personnel Launch a comprehensive communication strategy designed to enhance internal staff engagement, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and build public trust Implement a data-driven, targeted tiered dispatch model across all service zones in the City of Austin and Travis County to optimize ambulance utilization, improve response coverage, reduce unnecessary transports, and inform future staffing and deployment decisions Implement sustainable alternative revenue strategies that fund innovative emergency and non- emergency response models-including community outreach, preventative care, and mental health services FY27 FY27 FY27 FY28 FY28 5 Austin Police Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) | Austin Police July 2026 Key Performance Indicator Number of minutes for police response for emergency and urgent violent crime calls FY24 Actual Result FY25 Actual Result FY26 Estimate FY26 Target FY27 Target FY28 Target 7.26 7.03 7.12 7.12 7.11 7.03 Percent change in violent crime incidents within designated priority hot …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Public Safety Commission Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX] Recommendation to the Austin City Council Regarding the Austin Police Department’s 2027 Budget and Lack of Performance Metrics for the Austin Police Department Training Academy Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve the 2027 budget for the Austin Police Department with no increase above the 2026 funding level, except for the funds necessary to fulfill labor contract obligations; and add detailed performance metrics to the training and recruitment programs at Austin Police Department. WHEREAS, the Austin Police Department Training Academy has been a locus of concern among city leaders and community advocates for over eight years; WHEREAS, in spite of this focus, there are no meaningful performance metrics linked to the Training Academy and the Training Academy continues to be a black box that for every 100 cadets who enter, fewer than 70 Austin Police officers complete the Academy. WHEREAS, in December 2019, the Austin City Council suspended APD’s Training Academy to facilitate a review and over hall of the curriculum; WHEREAS, City Council and community leaders concerns focused on training materials and teaching that reinforced racially biased policing, reducing incidents of inappropriate and excessive use of force by APD, and the academy’s role in instilling a “warrior” mentality in cadets charged with keeping Austinites safe; WHEREAS, the Training Academy re-opened in June of 2021, without completion of the independent curriculum review, without clearly addressing council members and community concerns and without permitting independent community monitors to observe classes in the academy; WHEREAS, the Austin Public Safety Commission has monitored and repeatedly expressed concern regarding the lack of verifiable changes in the curriculum and training provided by the academy, as well as no indication that the culture of the academy had been transformed; WHEREAS, the Austin Public Safety Commission has monitored and expressed repeated concerns regarding regular cadet academy retention rates, which have varied from 26.5% to 44% of cadets failing to complete the nine month training academy because they either quit or were terminated from the program; . WHEREAS, when asked to explain the inordinately high dropout rates for academy classes, Austin Police Department provided vague answers and lacked specific reasons for why a large proportion of dropouts leave the academy for “personal reasons;” WHEREAS, on October 6, 2025, the Austin Public Safety Commission issued a Resolution recommending a complete audit of the Training …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Public Safety Commission Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX] Recommendation to the Austin City Council Regarding the Austin Police Department’s 2027 Budget and Lack of Performance Metrics for the Austin Police Department Training Academy Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve the 2027 budget for the Austin Police Department with no increase above the 2026 funding level, except for the funds necessary to fulfill labor contract obligations; and add detailed performance metrics to the training and recruitment programs at Austin Police Department. WHEREAS, the Austin Police Department Training Academy has been a locus of concern among city leaders and community advocates for over eight years; WHEREAS, despite this focus, there are no meaningful performance metrics linked to the Training Academy and the Training Academy continues to be a black box that for every 100 cadets who enter, fewer than 62 Austin Police Officers complete the Academy. WHEREAS, in December 2019, the Austin City Council suspended APD’s Training Academy to facilitate a review and over hall of the curriculum; WHEREAS, City Council and community leaders’ concerns focused on training materials and teaching that reinforced racially biased policing, reducing incidents of inappropriate and excessive use of force by APD, and the academy’s role in instilling a “warrior” mentality in officers charged with keeping Austinites safe; WHEREAS, the Training Academy re-opened in June of 2021, without completion of the independent curriculum review, without clearly addressing council members and community concerns and without permitting independent community monitors to observe classes in the academy; WHEREAS, the Austin Public Safety Commission has monitored and repeatedly expressed concern regarding the lack of verifiable changes in the curriculum and training provided by the academy, as well as no indication that the culture of the academy had been transformed; WHEREAS, the Austin Public Safety Commission has monitored and expressed repeated concerns regarding regular cadet academy retention rates; WHEREAS, between 2022 and 2026, 26.5% to 52.7% of cadets new to policing failed to complete the nine-month Training Academy because they either quit or were terminated from the program, resulting in a total of 220 cadets dropping out of the Training Academy; . WHEREAS, if the Training Academy had a dropout rate at the national average of 15%, Austin would have 134 more police officers on the force today; WHEREAS, the Austin Police Department also has a significant attrition problem during the first two years …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, August 3, 2026 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, August 3, 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 Michael Sierra-Arévalo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Daniel Godwin David Holmes Kimberly Hidrogo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León- Law breaking and gangstalking David Girouard- FY 27 Proposed Budget (Fire) Stephanie Ryan- general remarks APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission Regular Called Meeting on July 6, 2026. The minutes from the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on July 6, 2026 were approved on Chair Duran’s motion, Vice Chair Ramírez’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Smith abstained. Commissioners Eger and Ruttan were absent. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY AUGUST 3, 2026 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Quarterly Report from Austin Fire Department. Presentation by Chief Tom Vocke, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire. The presentation was made by Tom Vocke, Chief of Staff, Ausin Fire. Presentation by Austin Equity Inclusion regarding the Human Rights Impact Review. Presented by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. The presentation was made by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Discussion regarding the TRUST act and its application to public safety technologies and data sharing between governmental entities. Presented by Mackenzie Rhine, Attorney and Board Member, Electric Frontier Foundation. Withdrawn without objection. Discussion regarding Key Performance Indicators as a part of the City Budget for Safety Departments. Presented by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police, Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin-Travis County EMS, Tom Vocke, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire. The presentation was made by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police, Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin-Travis County EMS, Tom Vocke, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a recommendation to the Austin City Council Regarding Austin Police Department’s 2027 Budget and Lack of Performance Metrics for the Austin Police Department Training Academy. The motion to approve a recommendation to the Austin City Council regarding Austin Police Department’s 2027 Budget and Lack of Performance Metrics for the Austin Police Department Training Academy was approved on …
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 …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 6, 2026 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duran called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Enrique Duran II, Chair Timothy Ruttan Michael Sierra-Arévalo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Daniel Godwin Denise Eger PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ruben Rivera- Clemente- Harassment of Police APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission Regular Called Meeting on June 1, 2026. The minutes from the Public Safety Commission meeting were approved with the following amendments on Commission Eger’s motion, Commission Ruttan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Bernhardt was off the dais. Commissioners Hidrogo, Holmes and Smith were absent. The first amendment was to strike “February 2” from the first sentence, and insert the date “June 1” as follows: “The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 2 June 1, 2026…” The second amendment was to insert Commissioner Denise Eger’s name under Commissioners in Attendance. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY JULY 6, 2026 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Quarterly Report from Austin Police Department. Presentation by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department. The presentation was made 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. The presentation was made 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 Action and Adaptation Manager, Climate Action and Resilience, and Ana Urueta, Emergency Management Manager, Austin Public Health. The presentation was made by Jim Redick, Director, Austin Emergency Management, Christopher Anderson, Homeless Strategy Deputy Officer, Homeless Strategies and Operations, Marc Coudert, Climate Action and Adaptation Manager, Climate Action and Resilience, and Ana Urueta, Emergency Management Manager, Austin Public Health. 5. Discussion regarding the process for requesting future agenda items. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from Collective Sex Crime Response Model Working Group. The update was given by Vice Chair Ramirez. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding continued funding of The …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MONDAY, JUNE 1, 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 May 4, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Quarterly Report from Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Presentation by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Discussion of Austin EMS Association budget and sworn staff priorities. Presented by James Monks, President, Austin EMS Association. Wildfire Readiness Update. Presentation by David Skowron, Division Chief, Austin Fire. Discussion regarding The Sobering Center. Presentation by Laura Elmore, Executive Director, 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 or chelsea.pfeifer@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Public Safety Commission please contact Chelsea Pfeifer at 512-974- 2498 or chelsea.pfeifer@austintexas.gov.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 4, 2026 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, May 4, 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 Kimberly Hidrogo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Rebecca Bernhardt Denise Eger Daniel Godwin David Holmes Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos Léon- Cap Metro APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission Regular Called Meeting on January 5, 2026. The minutes from the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on April 6, 2026 were approved on Commissioner Chair Duran’s motion, Commissioner Ramírez’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Duran was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Austin Fire Quarterly Report. Presentation by Tom Vocke, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire. The presentation was made by Tom Vocke, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire. Discussion of Austin Firefighters Association budget and sworn staff priorities. Presented by David Girouard, President, Austin Firefighters Association. The presentation was made by David Girouard, President, Austin Firefighters Association 1 4. 5. Discussion of Austin Police Oversight Mediation Program and responses to questions from Recommendation 20250908-006. Presented by Gail McCant, Director, Austin Police Oversight. The presentation was made by Gail McCant, Director, Austin Police Oversight and Kevin Masters, Deputy Director, Austin Police Oversight. Discussion of sexual assault data with Austin Police, SAFE Alliance, BRAVE Alliance, Travis County District Attorney’s Office, and Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT). Presented by Deanna Lichter, Commander, Austin Police, Marcy Alonzo, Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Police, Andrea Austin, Director, Travis County District Attorney’s Office, Alison Kolb, Vice President, SAFE Alliance, Noor Wehbe, Nurse Educator, BRAVE Alliance. The presentation was made by Deanna Lichter, Commander, Austin Police, Marcy Alonzo, Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Police, Andrea Austin, Director, Travis County District Attorney’s Office, Pierre Berastain, CEO, SAFE Alliance, Alison Kolb, Vice President, SAFE Alliance, Crystal Love, Executive Director, BRAVE Alliance, Noor Wehbe, Nurse Educator, BRAVE Alliance. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a recommendation from the Collective Sex Crime Response Model working group regarding SARRT. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding SARRT was approved on Vice Chair Ramírez’s motion, Commissioner Hidrogo’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Ruttan was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Wildfire Readiness Update. Presentation by David …
Incident and Response Data Austin-Travis County EMS | FY26 Q2 Incidents, Patient Contacts, Transports January 2021 – April 2026 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 1 2 - n a J 1 2 - r a M 1 2 - y a M 1 2 - l u J 1 2 - p e S 1 2 - v o N 2 2 - n a J 2 2 - r a M 2 2 - y a M 2 2 - l u J 2 2 - p e S 2 2 - v o N 3 2 - n a J 3 2 - r a M 3 2 - y a M 3 2 - l u J 3 2 - p e S 3 2 - v o N 4 2 - n a J 4 2 - r a M 4 2 - y a M 4 2 - l u J 4 2 - p e S 4 2 - v o N 5 2 - n a J 5 2 - r a M 5 2 - y a M 5 2 - l u J 5 2 - p e S 5 2 - v o N 6 2 - n a J 6 2 - r a M Incidents Patient Contacts Patient Transports 2 Priority 1 Compliance by District FY26 Q2 81.93% 78.62% 78.13% 70.75% 84.85% 80.88% 78.46% 74.11% 68.18% 65.79% 91.43% 87.79% 78.13% 73.91% 100% 90% 86.67% 83.33% 88.61% 86.96% 80% 76.51% 75.19% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 % Goal Met % Goal Met (Cardiac Arrest) 3 Priority 1 Response Interval by District 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 FY26 Q2 12.65 12.42 12.42 10.75 11.90 11.95 10.97 11.35 11.43 10.45 8.37 8.60 7.68 8.37 8.75 8.67 8.67 8.23 8.43 6.63 4.74% 1 4.29% 2 4.30% 3 4.81% 4 4.44% 5 4.37% 6 4.28% 7 3.18% 8 4.59% 9 4.12% 10 90th Percentile (Minutes) Average (Minutes) % of Total for District 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 4 Priority Percentage by District 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 12.59% 11.32% 12.29% 11.51% 10.84% 12.40% 12.04% 13.22% 10.73% 10.46% FY26 Q2 37.33% 40.21% 41.18% 40.20% 42.05% 37.15% 40.29% 40.75% 45.76% 43.45% 32.37% 31.18% 29.80% …
#TheSoberingCenter #BeSafeBeSoberATX Mission of the Austin/Travis County Sobering Center The Sobering Center enhances public health and safety by providing a safe place for publicly intoxicated individuals to sober up as an alternative to the emergency room or jail and, where appropriate, to provide a bridge to recovery. Numbers Served The Sobering Center has performed more than 16,000 intakes since its inception. Sobering Center of Austin • No jail or emergency room • No citations, fines, or medical bills • No cost for Sobering Center services • Open 24 hours/7 days a week • Complete confidentiality o We do not notify anyone of a client’s admission into the center without consent or subpoena • Connection to community resources and other services • Assistance with coordinating transportation home Admission Criteria • 18 years or older • Suspected alcohol or drug intoxication • No evidence of acute head injury • No untreated lacerations • No seizure within the last 24 hours • No acute gastrointestinal bleeding • Suicidal/homicidal ideation cleared by a MH professional Client is referred/ transported to the Sobering Center by Law Enforcement, EMS or other referral partner NO P.I. CITATION NO FINES Intake Medics do a screening to ensure it’s safe for the client to sober up in our facility Recovery Support Specialists monitor the client and continue to assess their needs SBIRT Counselors conduct an assessment used to link a client to the appropriate community resources How it Started • Founded in 2018 through City/County ILA • Building from County, Operating funds from City • New ILA signed 2024 How it’s Going • Law Enforcement and EMS no longer the only paths to the Sobering Center • Patients are now able to ‘hold over’ for services • Bridge Meds How it’s Going • 2nd Floor Expansion • Medical Director Transition • Central Health Integration National Recognition • IACP Toolkit and Case Study • National Sobering Collaborative • Model for Excellence Strategic Plan Snapshot 2023-2027 VISION We envision a safe and responsible community where substance use is a public health issue that is not criminalized, recovery is supported through early identification, and treatment is accessible when possible. OPERATIO NS Facilities Services Staffing GOALS VALUES Compassion Harm Reduction Advocacy Integrity Respect 1) Maximize the use of the Sobering Center as a first line response to intoxication 2) Develop into an essential community hub for a more integrated system of care 3) …
Public Safety Commission Wildfire Readiness Update Austin Fire | David Skowron | Division Chief, Wildfire Division | FY26 Q1&2 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. 2 1) The number of local CWPPs completed and implemented is 26. Local level CWPPs are community-led initiatives that Austin Fire facilitates and supports. The Division's FAC team has prioritized re-engaging and supporting these communities. One community has become FireWise in 2026, with four more on the way this year. 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 CWPPs By Year 5 4 3 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2004 2008 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2017 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Year to date 3 2) The number of local CWPPs started but not completed is 21. The Community Risk Assessment (CRA) and Action Plan are important steps in the Firewise USA recognition process. When combined, CRAs and Action Plans act as a supplement to the Austin Travis County CWPP. Engaged Communities by Council District 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 5 4 3 3 1 0 0 2 2 1 CD 1 CD 2 CD 3 CD 4 CD 5 CD 6 CD 7 CD 8 CD 9 CD 10 Engaged Communities by Council District 4 3) The percentage of high-risk WUI areas in which identification of potential local CWPP planning areas is still ongoing is 46%. Of the 14% of Austin classified as high-risk, 54% is covered by a local level CWPP, and 46% are identified as opportunity zones where a local level CWPP could be implemented. 5 4) The number of public presentations in the past six months is 29. The number of home assessments provided in Q1 and Q2 is 157. Division has a goal of 500 SIZE evaluations per year. Number of SIZE Completions by Month (Q1 & Q2) 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 October November December January February March Number of SIZE Completions by Month (Q1 & Q2) 6 5) The number, size type and location of fuel mitigation activities in the last six months. 14 prescribed fires completed at over 1800 acres, by assisting partner agencies. …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, June 1, 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 Denise Eger 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. The minutes from the Public Safety Commission meeting were approved with the following amendments on Commission Eger’s motion, Commission Ruttan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Bernhardt was off the dais. Commissioners Hidrogo, Holmes and Smith were absent. The first amendment was to strike “February 2” from the first …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 4, 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 April 6, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Austin Fire Quarterly Report. Presentation by Tom Vocke, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire. Discussion of Austin Firefighters Association budget and sworn staff priorities. Presented by David Girouard, President, Austin Firefighters Association. Discussion of Austin Police Oversight Mediation Program and responses to questions from Recommendation 20250908-006. Presented by Gail McCant, Director, Austin Police Oversight. Discussion of sexual assault data with Austin Police, SAFE Alliance, BRAVE Alliance, Travis County District Attorney’s Office, and Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT). Presented by Deanna Lichter, Commander, Austin Police, Marcy Alonzo, Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Police, Andrea Austin, Director, Travis County District Attorney’s Office, Alison Kolb, Vice President, SAFE Alliance, Noor Wehbe, Nurse Educator, BRAVE Alliance. Wildfire Readiness Update. Presentation by David Skowron, Division Chief, Austin Fire. 6. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 7. Approve a recommendation from the Collective Sex Crime Response Model working group regarding SARRT. 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 …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 6, 2026 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Austin City Hall, 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 Enrique Duran II Kimberly Hidrogo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 2, 2026. The March 2, 2026 meeting minutes were approved as amended with the following amendment on Commissioner Duran’s motion, Vice Chair Ruttan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Smith was off the dais. Commissioners Holmes and Sierra-Arévalo were absent. The amendment was under FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: “Austin Police Oversight discussion on Mediation Remediation program” DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of small vehicle use by public safety departments with Rick Harland, Assistant Director, Austin Fleet Mobility Services. Presentation was made by Rick Harland, Assistant Director, Austin Fleet Mobility Services, Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical 1 Services, Tom Vocke, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire, Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. 2. 4. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police. Presentation by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. Presentation was made by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. Discussion of Austin Police operating procedures for disclosure of bodycam footage to Travis County post arrest with Austin Police, Travis County Attorney’s Office and Travis County Defender's Office. Presentation by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police, Lucio del Toro, First Assistant County Attorney, Travis County Attorney’s Office, Adeola Ogunkeyede, Chief Public Defender for Travis County, Travis County Defender’s Office. Presentation was made by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police, Lucio del Toro, First Assistant County Attorney, Travis County Attorney’s Office, Adeola Ogunkeyede, Chief Public Defender for Travis County, Travis County Defender’s Office. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Collective Sex Crime Response Model working group. Update was given by Chair Ramírez. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioner Duran was elected as Chair on Commissioner Ruttan’s motion, Chair Ramírez’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Holmes and Sierra-Arévalo were absent. Commissioner Ramírez was elected as Vice Chair on Commissioner Bernhardt’s motion, Commissioner Godwin’s second on …
Mediation Program Public Safety Commission May 4, 2026 1 Agenda 01 About Austin Police Oversight 02 Authority 03 About Mediation 04 Process 05 Benefits 2 1. About Austin Police Oversight 3 About Austin Police Oversight The mission of Austin Police Oversight is to provide impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department’s conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, inform the public to increase transparency and create sustainable partnerships throughout the community. ACCOUNTABILITY TRANSPARENCY PARTNERSHIPS 4 About Austin Police Oversight WHAT WE DO WHAT WE DO NOT DO Separate, independent, civilian oversight Review all community complaints We have full access to all APD databases Make recommendations to the Chief of Police & City Manager related to discipline, administrative policies and training Educate community members about the complaint process, our reports and recommendations, and their rights when interacting with law enforcement We do NOT work for or report to APD orthe Chief of Police We do NOT oversee other law enforcement agencies We do NOT oversee criminal cases We do NOT administer discipline to officers We are NOT the final decision-makers on issues related to discipline and training 5 2. Authority 6 Authority: Meet and Confer Agreement Mediation authorization is established in the 2024 Meet and Confer Agreement between City of Austin and the Austin Police Association (APA) in Article 17, Disciplinary Actions, Demotion, & Appeals. Section 16—The CITY shall implement a voluntary mediation process concerning both citizen and internal complaints. The ASSOCIATION may appoint two persons to work with the CITY in developing the specific operating procedure. The process shall include and be based upon the following concepts: a) Mediation shall be an option offered to the complainant at any time during the investigatory process in which the Chief deems appropriate. Mediation shall only be offered in cases in which allegations are for minor policy violations, such as rudeness. The Chief or their designee shall have final authority as to whether mediation is an appropriate avenue for remedy. b) For a complaint to proceed to mediation, both the Officer and the complainant must voluntarily agree. c) Once mediation has been agreed to, the matter cannot be returned to the Department to be handled as a disciplinary matter. 7 Authority: General Orders Mediation authorization is also established in the Austin Police Department (APD) General Orders: 902.6.5 Investigations Handled Through Mediation As an alternative to the normal IA …
Briefing: Public Safety Commission Recommendation 20250908-006 Austin Police Oversight | 05.04.2026 Overview Purpose: Provide the Public Safety Commission with a summary of APO’s responses to recommendation 20250908-006 Scope: Annual Reporting, Compliance, public data accessibility, Complaints process & outcomes, CPRC, Miscellaneous Annual Reporting PSC Request: Present the most recent Annual Report at a publicly posted Council Meeting. APO Response: • 2024 Report presented via memo on October 13, 2025, to Mayor and Council • 2024 Report published October 14, 2025 • Council presentation on December 9, 2025 Compliance APOA Austin Police Oversight Act PSC Recommendation: Published compliance Plan. APO Response: • APO already complies with the Act; a separate plan is not required. Complaint Database PSC Recommendation: Create a Searchable, Public Complaint Database APO Response: • Complaint documentation is already searchable online • The interface was challenging • March 19, 2026, COA new website launched CPRC Support/ Staff Liaison PSC Recommendation: Assign City Clerk Staff as CPRC liaison. APO Response: • APO has not articulated any strain on staff resources. • Will collaborate with CMO and City Clerk’s Office to address any challenges. Annual Report Timeline PSC Questions: Annual Report Schedule, Edit and Review Authority. APO Response: • All department annual reports will be released after the City Manager’s Year in Review. • APO aim is Q4 each Year • Austin Communication and Engagement and the City Manager’s Office have review, edit, and approval authority of APO’s Annual Report. Compliance PSC Questions: Posting requirement, Reporting Gaps, Data Infrastructure APO Response: • All Complaints submitted to APO in 2025 are published on APO’s website. Anonymous Complaints are not separated out. • APO does not publish Compliments • Oral & Written reprimands are reported in aggregate numbers and published as part of our annual report. • Compliant Process & Outcomes PSC Questions: Training & Case Management APO Response: • Complaint Staff receive ongoing training • Options for filing • Supervisor Referral outcomes • Complaint trends Community Police Review Commission PSC Questions: Case review, vacancies, case briefings & recommendations, APO Response: • Working groups for case triage established • Vacancies filled by alternates • Case briefings will take place in closed session • Document storage on CPRC website Miscellaneous PSC Questions: Press Conf. Funding, Website accessibility, Hiring APO Response: • APO participation in critical incidents press conferences is a national best practice supporting transparency and real-time monitoring. • No additional funding allocation during budget …
Public Safety Commission Quarterly Austin Fire | Tom Vocke | Chief of Staff | FY26 Q2 Emergency Response Time Trends 130,000 110,000 90,000 70,000 11:00 10:00 9:00 8:00 7:00 6:00 Incident Volume (All Priorities) 103,626 109,280 110,304 108,750 107,659 89,541 89,563 81,973 86,636 87,935 92,612 89,797 86,974 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26* Response Times (Priorities 1-3, 4M) 8:51 9:00 9:13 9:12 9:24 9:35 Response Time Standard: 8 minutes 9:58 10:28 9:55 10:28 10:32 10:25 10:22 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 YTD *Projected number based on current YTD call volume. On Jul 8, 2025, the Chief Medical Officer evaluated medical dispatching in collaboration with ATCEMS and AFD, which will have an effect on call dispatching/volume. 2 Facility Improvement Projects Recently Completed Projects: Station 17 Remodel completed in February Station 33 Internal ceiling replacement completed in March Fire Station 17 Day Room Before and After Remodel 3 Automatic Aid Dispatching the closest unit to a 911 call, regardless of department or jurisdiction. Auto Aid contributes to decreased response times for Austin and Travis County. Recent Success: On March 25th, a fire at 5920 J M Holloway Ln spread quickly consuming trees, several parts vehicles, debris, and tires due to dry conditions with shifting winds. A tender from ESD 11 (Tender 1101) and ESD 12 (Tender 1201) were dispatched due to water supply issues. ESD 11’s skid steer also responded to assist with overhaul. Both ESD 11 and ESD 12 sent an engine to assist. In total, this fire had 31 units on scene. AFD, ESD 11, and ESD 12 responding to a fire together. 4 Overdose Response FY26 Q2 All AFD personnel are trained on Naloxone administration and each unit carries the medication. The increase in FY25 Q2 may be due to new reporting requirements for Narcan use starting Dec 2024. 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 154 115 75 122 117 81 140 106 71 88 63 51 97 66 50 106 76 58 FY25 Q1 FY25 Q2 FY25 Q3 FY25 Q4 FY26 Q1 FY26 Q2 Total calls where Narcan was given Number of times AFD administered or assisted Patient improvement cases 5 Investigations Percent of Arson Fires Cleared: - FY 25 Q3: - FY 25 Q4: - FY26 Q1: - FY26 Q2: 50% 36% 36% 44% National …
Public Safety Commission Wildfire Readiness Update Austin Fire | David Skowron | Division Chief, Wildfire Division | FY26 Q1&2 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. 2 1) The number of local CWPPs completed and implemented is 26. Local level CWPPs are community-led initiatives that Austin Fire facilitates and supports. The Division's FAC team has prioritized re-engaging and supporting these communities. One community has become FireWise in 2026, with four more on the way this year. 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 CWPPs By Year 5 4 3 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2004 2008 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2017 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Year to date 3 2) The number of local CWPPs started but not completed is 21. The Community Risk Assessment (CRA) and Action Plan are important steps in the Firewise USA recognition process. When combined, CRAs and Action Plans act as a supplement to the Austin Travis County CWPP. Engaged Communities by Council District 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 5 4 3 3 1 0 0 2 2 1 CD 1 CD 2 CD 3 CD 4 CD 5 CD 6 CD 7 CD 8 CD 9 CD 10 Engaged Communities by Council District 4 3) The percentage of high-risk WUI areas in which identification of potential local CWPP planning areas is still ongoing is 46%. Of the 14% of Austin classified as high-risk, 54% is covered by a local level CWPP, and 46% are identified as opportunity zones where a local level CWPP could be implemented. 5 4) The number of public presentations in the past six months is 29. The number of home assessments provided in Q1 and Q2 is 157. Division has a goal of 500 SIZE evaluations per year. Number of SIZE Completions by Month (Q1 & Q2) 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 October November December January February March Number of SIZE Completions by Month (Q1 & Q2) 6 5) The number, size type and location of fuel mitigation activities in the last six months. 14 prescribed fires completed at over 1800 acres, by assisting partner agencies. …
