PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION May 2, 2022 WHEREAS, the City of Austin has become synonymous with the housing crisis facing the Proposal that the Austin City Council pay the Austin EMS Equitably with Public Safety Unions Date: Subject: Motioned by: Rebecca Bernhardt Seconded by: Rebecca Webber Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends that the City Council direct the City Manager’s Office to prioritize negotiations with the Austin EMS Association and offer substantial additional compensation as part of the union contract, in line with the cost of living in Austin, the compensation of credentialed staff with comparable workloads at Texas EMS agencies, and the compensation of sworn staff of the Austin Police Department and Austin Fire Department. United States and has become the least affordable housing market outside of California, surpassing notoriously expensive cities including Boston, Miami and New York City for cost of housing; yet, the current living wage of $15.00 per hour was established in 2018 and is outdated. The City of Austin’s Living Wage Working Group, which includes representatives from the City’s Department of Human Resources, has recommended a living wage of $22.00 per hour for 2022; WHEREAS, 26.4 percent of EMS sworn staff are considered low-income. Single parents will not stop being low-income until they reach 11 years of service with EMS if they have one child, 17 years of service if they have two children; WHEREAS, a great deal is made of the police labor shortage, the Austin EMS labor shortage is more severe. Austin EMS is currently operating at 75.3 percent of authorized sworn capacity. Austin EMS has lost 26 experienced medics to attrition so far during calendar year 2022; in all of calendar year 2019, Austin EMS lost 28 experienced medics to attrition; WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a long-time commitment to supporting a living wage; WHEREAS, Austin EMS cannot effectively recruit new sworn staff because of substandard wages. Although authorized for 30 medics, the December 2021 EMS Academy was only able to recruit 18 cadets. The March 2022 EMS Academy was able to recruit 17 cadets. At this rate, Austin EMS will be unable to fill its vacancies and Austin EMS will remain structurally understaffed and become increasingly understaffed into the foreseeable future, creating an increasing public safety crisis for city emergency health services; WHEREAS, Austin EMS has performed valiantly and faced unprecedented risks during the Covid-19 pandemic. Before vaccines were available, …
` PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES April 4, 2022 The Public Safety Commission convened a hybrid in person and videoconferencing meeting Monday, April 4, 2022 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Nelly Ramirez called the Board Meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Kathleen Hausenfluck Cory Hall-Martin Nelly Ramirez John Kiracofe Rebecca Bernhardt Amanda Lewis Rebecca Webber Rebecca Gonzales Absent: Commissioners Lane, Sierra-Arevalo, and Queen Austin Executive Liaison Present: Robin Henderson,and Rob Vires, Theresa Gardner Public Communications - Citizens signed up to speak: none 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Commissioner Ramirez called for any edits/corrections to the March 7, 2022 minutes and hearing none the minutes were deemed approved. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Update from Austin Police Department on actions from the Kroll Report and potential recommendation (sponsored by Commissioner Bernhardt and Ramirez) 4:04pm-4:31pm Speaker(s): -Joseph Chacon, Chief, Austin Police Department Chief Chacon provided an update to changes that have been made. With regards to recruitment, he stated that the incoming 144th and 145th Cadet Class saw increased rates of black cadets and female cadets. APD has committed to trying increase female officers by 30% by 2030. They are also working with James Joyce to set diversity metrics. APD is working to modify fitness testing and qualification criteria. APD has updated their policies around use of force. This includes adding language, definitions, and clarifying language around shooting at moving vehicles, firearm discharge situations, and response to resistance, de-escalation and duty to intervene. All 20 use of 1 force cases flagged by Kroll were previously reviewed by APD. Chief Chacon introduced the Force Review Unit, which is outside of the officer’s chain-of-command and reviews use of force cases who are trained to investigate these cases. Commissioner Bernhardt asked if there had ever been the opportunity for an all-female cadet class with all female trainers. Chief responded no, mostly based on class size and trainer availability. Commissioner Webber asked for clarifications around the Force Review Unit. Chief Chacon provided a brief history of the review process. The Force Review Unit has nine dedicated sergeants and one lieutenant who are receiving training to review these cases in a consistent, unbiased manner. Commissioner Gonzales requested that APD continue to provide updates on these recommendations on a monthly basis. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Public Safety Organizations Quarterly Report – Austin Fire Department (sponsors: Commissioner Hausenfluck and …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION May 2, 2022 WHEREAS, the City of Austin has become synonymous with the housing crisis facing the Proposal that the Austin City Council pay the Austin EMS Equitably with Public Safety Unions Date: Subject: Motioned by: Rebecca Bernhardt Seconded by: Rebecca Webber Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends that the City Council direct the City Manager’s Office to prioritize negotiations with the Austin EMS Association and offer substantial additional compensation as part of the union contract, in line with the cost of living in Austin, the compensation of credentialed staff with comparable workloads at Texas EMS agencies, and the compensation of sworn staff of the Austin Police Department and Austin Fire Department. United States and has become the least affordable housing market outside of California, surpassing notoriously expensive cities including Boston, Miami and New York City for cost of housing; yet, the current living wage of $15.00 per hour was established in 2018 and is outdated. The City of Austin’s Living Wage Working Group, which includes representatives from the City’s Department of Human Resources, has recommended a living wage of $22.00 per hour for 2022; WHEREAS, 26.4 percent of EMS sworn staff are considered low-income. Single parents will not stop being low-income until they reach 11 years of service with EMS if they have one child, 17 years of service if they have two children; WHEREAS, a great deal is made of the police labor shortage, the Austin EMS labor shortage is more severe. Austin EMS is currently operating at 75.3 percent of authorized sworn capacity. Austin EMS has lost 26 experienced medics to attrition so far during calendar year 2022; in all of calendar year 2019, Austin EMS lost 28 experienced medics to attrition; WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a long-time commitment to supporting a living wage; WHEREAS, Austin EMS cannot effectively recruit new sworn staff because of substandard wages. Although authorized for 30 medics, the December 2021 EMS Academy was only able to recruit 18 cadets. The March 2022 EMS Academy was able to recruit 17 cadets. At this rate, Austin EMS will be unable to fill its vacancies and Austin EMS will remain structurally understaffed and become increasingly understaffed into the foreseeable future, creating an increasing public safety crisis for city emergency health services; WHEREAS, Austin EMS has performed valiantly and faced unprecedented risks during the Covid-19 pandemic. Before vaccines were available, …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING April 4, 2022 @ 4:00PM City Hall Boards and Commissions Room 301 W 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 by 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. To register please call (512) 974-5747 before noon on April 3, 2022 or email Janet.jackson@austintexas.gov AGENDA Amanda Lewis Rocky Lane Michael Sierra-Arevalo Rebecca Bernhardt Cory Hall-Martin CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Rebecca Gonzales, Chair Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Vice Chair Rebecca Webber Kathleen Hausenfluck Queen Austin John T. Kiracofe CALL TO ORDER 4:00-4:05pm Public Communication 4:05-4:20pm (from speakers signed up to speak) Items for Presentation, Discussion and Possible Action: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 7, 2011 4:20pm-4:25pm 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Update from Austin Police Department on actions from the Kroll Report and potential recommendation (sponsored by Commissioner Bernhardt and Ramirez) 4:25pm-4:35pm Speaker(s): -Robin Henderson, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Public Safety Organizations Quarterly Report – Austin Fire Department (sponsors: Commissioner Hausenfluck and Gonzales) 4:35pm-4:50pm Speaker(s): -Rob Vires, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire Department b. Public Safety Commission Officer Elections (sponsors: Commissioner Gonzales and Ramirez) 4:50pm-5:05pm c. Review of Employee Diversity metrics from all three organizations (sponsors: Commissioner Bernhardt and Ramirez) 5:05pm-5:35pm Speaker(s): -Robin Henderson Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department -Rob Vires Assistant Chief, Austin Fire Department -Teresa Gardner Assistant Chief, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services d. Reimaging Public Safety (sponsors: Commissioner Gonzales and Ramirez) 5:35pm-5:50pm Speaker(s): -Rey Arellano, Assistant City Manager 4. Future Agenda Items 5:50-6:00pm Adjourn @ 6pm 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 Janet Jackson at Austin Police Department, at 512-974-5747, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Public Safety Commission, please contact Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department at 512-974-5030.
***REVISED*** PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING April 4, 2022 @ 4:00PM City Hall Boards and Commissions Room 301 W 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 by 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. To register please call (512) 974-5747 before noon on April 3, 2022 or email Janet.jackson@austintexas.gov AGENDA Amanda Lewis Rocky Lane Michael Sierra-Arevalo Rebecca Bernhardt Cory Hall-Martin CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Rebecca Gonzales, Chair Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Vice Chair Rebecca Webber Kathleen Hausenfluck Queen Austin John T. Kiracofe CALL TO ORDER 4:00-4:05pm Public Communication 4:05-4:20pm (from speakers signed up to speak) Items for Presentation, Discussion and Possible Action: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 7, 2011 4:20pm-4:25pm 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Update from Austin Police Department on actions from the Kroll Report and potential recommendation (sponsored by Commissioner Bernhardt and Ramirez) 4:25pm-4:35pm Speaker(s): -Joseph Chacon, Chief of Austin Police Department 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Public Safety Organizations Quarterly Report – Austin Fire Department (sponsors: Commissioner Hausenfluck and Gonzales) 4:35pm-4:50pm Speaker(s): -Brandon Wade, Austin Fire Department b. Public Safety Commission Officer Elections (sponsors: Commissioner Gonzales and Ramirez) 4:50pm-5:05pm c. Review of Employee Diversity metrics from all three organizations (sponsors: Commissioner Bernhardt and Ramirez) 5:05pm-5:35pm Speaker(s): -Robin Henderson Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department -Brandon Wade, Austin Fire Department -Teresa Gardner Assistant Chief, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services d. Reimaging Public Safety (sponsors: Commissioner Gonzales and Ramirez) 5:35pm-5:50pm Speaker(s): -Rey Arellano, Assistant City Manager 4. Future Agenda Items 5:50-6:00pm Adjourn @ 6pm 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 Janet Jackson at Austin Police Department, at 512-974-5747, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Public Safety Commission, please contact Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department at 512-974-5030.
AUSTIN FIRE Public Safety Commission Meeting FY22 Q1 & Q2 – April 4, 2022 Assistant Chief Brandon Wade 1 REQUESTS FOR SERVICE Q1 COMPARISON FY 2021 Q1 FY 2022 Q1 3,000 2,959 2,807 2,875 2,546 2,597 2,565 2,341 2,282 2,043 2,059 2,734 2,452 3,193 2,471 1,764 1,455 1,680 1,419 1,301 1,135 District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 *Requests for Service are all INCIDENTS, regardless of priority. 3,500 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 2 R E Q U E S T F O R S E R V I C E Q 1 C o m p a r i s o n FY 2021 Q1 1,494 FY 2022 Q1 1,457 4,761 466 134 5,357 516 123 13,663 16,707 Fire Medical Rescue HazMat Other Fire Medical Rescue HazMat Other 3 *Requests for service are all incidents, regardless of priority. *”Other” (e.g., smoke investigations, fire alarms in buildings, unlocking buildings, etc.) EMERGENCY INCIDENT Q1 COMPARISON FY 2021 Q1 FY 2022 Q1 2,500 1,000 500 0 4 2,000 1,968 1,807 1,889 1,732 1,500 1,435 1,425 1,459 1,665 1,706 1,257 1,142 1,093 1,094 1,241 1,173 779 746 576 925 680 District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 *Emergency Incidents are Priority 1, 2, 3, and 4M responses. E M E R G E N C Y I N C I D E N T S Q 1 C o m p a r i s o n FY 2021 Q1 515 1,105 386 103 FY 2022 Q1 506 238 1,359 109 Fire Medical HazMat Other Fire Medical Rescue HazMat Other 8,692 Rescue 13,643 5 *Emergency Incidents are Priority 1, 2, 3, and 4M responses to when frontline unit arrives on scene. *”Other” (e.g., smoke investigations, fire alarms in buildings, unlocking buildings, etc.) E m e r g e n c y R e s p o n s e T i m e s C o m p a r i s o n FY21 – Q1 FY22 – Q1 Council Districts Emergency Response Time (90 percentile, Emergency Incidents) Emergency Incidents (Priorities 1, 2, 3, and 4M, First Arriving Frontline Unit) Emergency Response Time (90 percentile, Emergency Incidents) Emergency Incidents (Priorities 1, 2, 3, and 4M, First Arriving Frontline Unit) District 1 District 2 District 3 …
Austin Police Department Current Demographics Civilian and Sworn Personnel 1 Civilian Personnel Ethnicity Asian Black or African American Choose Not To Disclose Hispanic or Latino Two or more races White Men Women Totals 2 12 14 20 37 57 6 6 12 53 120 173 1 8 9 88 187 275 American Indian/Alaska Native Total 0 1 1 170 371 541 2 Civilian Personnel Gender Men Women Totals 170 371 541 3 Sworn Personnel Ethnicity Asian Black or African American Choose Not To Disclose Hispanic or Latino Two or more races White Men Women Totals 39 2 41 107 20 127 8 2 10 319 56 375 10 1 11 958 108 1066 American Indian/Alaska Native Total 0 1 1 1441 190 1631 4 Sworn Personnel Gender Men Women Totals 1441 190 1631 5
Austin Police Department Kroll Report Evaluation of Austin Police Department: Use of Force / Public Interactions / Recruitment, Selection, and Promotions Kroll Recommendations & APD’s Responses 1 Recruitment, Selection, and Promotions • Increase recruitment and hiring to represent the diversity of Austin, particularly for Hispanics and Females. In addition to APD achieving a higher-than-proportionate representation of Blacks in APD as compared to the general population. 145th Cadet Class Demographics (March 28 – Nov. 18, 2022) • Hispanic representation is 48%, majority group of the class. • Female representation is 17%. APD as an organization is at 11%. • Black representation is 10%, a greater rate than the percentage of Black residents in Austin – which is at less than 8% • Black applicants comprise 18% of current applicants, a rate or representation substantially higher than the proportional representation of Black residents in Austin’s general population. 2 Recruitment, Selection, and Promotions 145th Cadet Class Demographics (March 28 – Nov. 18, 2022) • 41 – Hispanic • 29 – White • 8 – Black • 5 – Asian • 1- Other Recently signed the 30x30 pledge and featured a different female officer for 30 days on social media for Women’s History Month. Currently working with Joyce James Consulting to implement a similar program focused on recruiting Black applicants. 3 Recruitment, Selection, and Promotions • Kroll agrees with APD's plans to reinstitute and expand the internship program, as historically this program has attracted a diverse pool of applicants, provides an opportunity for APD and the intern to mutually evaluate the fit, and helps prepare interns for the selection process. APD should also continue expanding partnerships with local schools, colleges and universities, community organizations, faith-based organizations, and social service agencies, particularly those with a focus on historically underrepresented populations. • Explorer Program will be reinstituted once staffing allows. • Our internship program specifically targets students at Huston-Tillotson University. • Working toward adding Prairie View A&M and Texas State University to the internship program. 4 Recruitment, Selection, and Promotions • APD should retain an independent consultant to conduct a formal validation study of its physical fitness requirements at (1) pre-hire, (2) during the Academy, and (3) in the job of a police officer to ensure that the pre-hire physical ability test measures the correct level of physical fitness while minimizing disparate impact against women and persons of color. • The Recruiting Division in conjunction with …
EMS Sworn Personnel Ethnicity 2.08% 0.76% 0.76% 0.57% 0.38% 2.08% 18.56% 74.81% White 74.81% Asian 2.08% Hispanic or Latino 18.56% Black or African American 2.08% Choose Not To Disclose 0.76% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Isl 0.76% Two or more races 0.57% American Indian/Alaska Native 0.38% 1 EMS Sworn Personnel Gender 25.57% 74.43% Male Female 2 EMS Sworn Personnel Age 5% 0% 5% 23% 67% under 25 25-44 45-54 55-61 62 and over 3 EMS Diversity Challenges • Currently hire only EMS certified personnel • Industry-wide problem recognized by national associations • National Association of EMT created diversity scholarship last year • Demography of the National Emergency Medical Services Workforce: A Description of Those Providing Patient Care in the Prehospital Setting: Prehospital Emergency Care: Vol 25, No 2 (tandfonline.com) • In 2017-2018, 101,363 EMS professionals recertified and 87,471 (86%) completed the profile; in 2018-2019, 106,893 EMS professionals recertified and 92,640 (87%) completed the profile. Of the 142,751 EMS professionals who met inclusion criteria, the population was primarily male (76%) and age increased by certification level. By race/ethnicity, 85% were white, 5% were Hispanic/Latino, 5% were Black/African American, 2% were American Indian/Alaskan Native, 2% were Asian and 1% were Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. • Females and Minority Racial/Ethnic Groups Remain Underrepresented in Emergency Medical Services: A Ten-Year Assessment, 2008-2017 - PubMed (nih.gov) • Conclusions: The underrepresentation of females and minority racial/ethnic groups observed during this 10- year investigation of EMTs and paramedics earning initial certification suggests that EMS workforce diversity is unlikely to undergo substantial change in the near future. The representation gaps were larger and more stable among paramedics compared to EMTs and suggest an area where concerted efforts are needed to encourage students of diverse backgrounds to pursue EMS. 4 EMS Vacancy Staffing Plan • Plan to address diversity and vacancies • Council-directed initiative • Final plan due end of April • Create recruitment strategies to attract diverse certified personnel • Target communities of color • Identify industry conferences, trade shows, other opportunities for engagement • Explore direct hiring from the community and provide EMT training • Local high schools • Community groups and associations 5
` PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES March 7, 2022 Cory Hall-Martin Michael Sierra-Arevalo John Kiracofe Rebecca Webber The Public Safety Commission convened a hybrid in person and videoconferencing meeting Monday, March 7, 2022 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Nelly Ramirez called the Board Meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Rebecca Gonzales Kathleen Hausenfluck Nelly Ramirez Rebecca Bernhardt Board Members Absent: Queen Austin, Amanda Lewis, and Rocky Lane Staff in Attendance: Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department Teresa Gardner, Assistant Chief, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department Public Communication: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Vice Chair Commissioner Ramirez asked for any edits to the minutes for January 24, 2022 and February 7, 2022. Hearing no edits to either of the minutes she deemed the minutes approved. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Recommendation on consolidation of Forensics Lab and APD (sponsored by Commissioner Bernhardt and Ramirez) Commissioner Ramirez asked Commissioner Bernhardt to introduce the recommendation and elaborate on the reason/s for the sponsorship of this recommendation. Commissioner Bernhardt commented on the reasons for bringing the recommendation forward and motioned to vote. Commissioner Ramirez paused her motion and asked for questions or comments on the draft recommendation presented to the board. Hearing no questions from board members, Commissioner Gonzales motioned for a vote and Commissioner Webber seconded the motion. -Carlos Leon - Starbucks 1 The vote was unanimous and taken with roll calling. See recommendation below. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION No. 20220307-02a March 7, 2022 WHEREAS, the City of Austin operates the Forensic Science Bureau, which provides forensic WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to the Reimagine Public Safety Initiative, which is Proposal that the Austin City Council make the Forensic Science Bureau independent of the Austin Police Department budgetarily and structurally Date: Subject: Motioned by: Rebecca Bernhardt Seconded by: Nelly Paulina Ramirez Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends that the City Council move the Forensic Science Bureau from under the control of the Austin Police Department and make it budgetarily and structurally independent. laboratory services related to the investigation of crimes, under the budgetary and managerial control of the Austin Police Department; a holistic approach to assessing and evolving public safety systems. Reimagine Public Safety is supposed to go beyond the scope of law enforcement and include decoupling some activities previously envisioned …
` PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES April 4, 2022 The Public Safety Commission convened a hybrid in person and videoconferencing meeting Monday, April 4, 2022 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Nelly Ramirez called the Board Meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Kathleen Hausenfluck Cory Hall-Martin Nelly Ramirez John Kiracofe Rebecca Bernhardt Amanda Lewis Rebecca Webber Rebecca Gonzales Absent: Commissioners Lane, Sierra-Arevalo, and Queen Austin Executive Liaison Present: Robin Henderson, APD Chief of Staff Brandon Wade, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire Department Theresa Gardner, Assistant Chief, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Public Communications - Citizens signed up to speak: none 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Commissioner Ramirez called for any edits/corrections to the March 7, 2022 minutes and hearing none the minutes were deemed approved. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Update from Austin Police Department on actions from the Kroll Report and potential recommendation (sponsored by Commissioner Bernhardt and Ramirez) 4:04pm-4:31pm Speaker(s): -Joseph Chacon, Chief, Austin Police Department Chief Chacon provided an update to changes that have been made. With regards to recruitment, he stated that the incoming 144th and 145th Cadet Class saw increased rates of black cadets and female cadets. APD has committed to trying increase female officers by 30% by 2030. They are also working with James Joyce to set diversity metrics. APD is working to modify fitness testing and qualification criteria. APD has updated their policies around use of force. This includes adding 1 language, definitions, and clarifying language around shooting at moving vehicles, firearm discharge situations, and response to resistance, de-escalation and duty to intervene. All 20 use of force cases flagged by Kroll were previously reviewed by APD. Chief Chacon introduced the Force Review Unit, which is outside of the officer’s chain-of-command and reviews use of force cases who are trained to investigate these cases. Commissioner Bernhardt asked if there had ever been the opportunity for an all-female cadet class with all female trainers. Chief responded no, mostly based on class size and trainer availability. Commissioner Webber asked for clarifications around the Force Review Unit. Chief Chacon provided a brief history of the review process. The Force Review Unit has nine dedicated sergeants and one lieutenant who are receiving training to review these cases in a consistent, unbiased manner. Commissioner Gonzales requested that APD continue to provide updates on these recommendations on a monthly basis. 3. …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING March 7, 2022 @ 4:00PM City Hall Boards and Commissions Room 301 W 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 by 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. To register please call (512) 974-5747 before noon on March 6, 2022 or email Janet.jackson@austintexas.gov AGENDA Amanda Lewis Rocky Lane Michael Sierra-Arevalo Rebecca Bernhardt Cory Hall-Martin CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Rebecca Gonzales, Chair Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Vice Chair Rebecca Webber Kathleen Hausenfluck Queen Austin John T. Kiracofe CALL TO ORDER 4:00-4:05pm Public Communication 4:05-4:20pm (from speakers signed up to speak) Items for Presentation, Discussion and Possible Action: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Jan. 24, 2022 and Feb. 7, 2022 4:20pm-4:25pm 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Recommendation on consolidation of Forensics Lab and APD (sponsored by Commissioner Bernhardt and Ramirez) 4:25pm-4:35pm 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Public Safety Organizations Quarterly Report – Austin-Travis County EMS (sponsors: Commissioner Hausenfluck and Gonzales) 4:35pm-4:55pm Speaker(s): -Teresa Gardner, Assistant Chief, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services b. Wildfire Resolution #20160512-016 Update (sponsors: Commissioner Gonzales and Ramirez) 4:50pm-5:15pm Speaker(s): -Chief Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department -Justin Jones, Austin Fire Department -Carrie Stewart, Austin Fire Department c. Review of Kroll Consulting Report (Phase B) Austin Police Department (sponsors: Commissioner Bernhardt and Ramirez) 5:05pm-5:45pm Speaker(s): -Catherine Johnson, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department -Dan Linskey, Managing Director, Kroll Consulting -Rick Brown, Senior Consultant, Kroll Consulting -Mark Ehlers, Managing Director, Kroll Consulting -Representative, Office of Police Oversight 4. Future Agenda Items 5:45-6:00pm Adjourn @ 6pm 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 Janet Jackson at Austin Police Department, at 512-974-5747, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Public Safety Commission, please contact Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department at 512-974-5030.
` PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 7, 2022 Rebecca Webber Michael Sierra-Arevalo John Kiracofe Rebecca Bernhardt The Public Safety Commission convened a hybrid in person and videoconferencing meeting Monday, February 7, 2022 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Rebecca Gonzalez called the Board Meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Kathleen Hausenfluck Nelly Ramirez Amanda Lewis Rocky Lane Cory Hall-Martin Board Members Absent: Queen Austin Staff in Attendance: Robin Henderson, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department Teresa Gardner, Assistant Chief, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department Citizen Communications - Citizens signed up to speak: none 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – This will occur at the March meeting for both the January and February minutes. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. TX SB69 from 87th Legislative Session -Vote on Recommendation for Council Action Sponsored by Commissioner Gonzales and Webber 4:02pm-4:06pm In the recommendation, Chair Gonzales is asking APD to create a policy that requires the reporting of whether use of force was prevented and if it took place. They also asked for a non-retaliation policy to ensure self-reporting. Commissioner Sierra-Arevalo asked for clarity on what was up for a vote. Chair Gonzales explained three points: if there is intervention and use of force still happens, if there is intervention and use of force is prevented, and a training plan for the officer who was 1 impacted by the intervention, such as further de-escalation. No further questions. Recommendation passed on unanimous vote. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Public Safety Organizations Quarterly Report – Austin Police Department (sponsors: Commissioner Hausenfluck and Gonzales) 4:07pm-4:50pm Speaker(s): -Chief Henderson, Austin Police Department Chief Henderson, joined by Dr. Jonathan Kringen, presented on the APD quarterly report. Dr. Kringen presented on Citywide Crimes Against Persons between 2020 and 2021. There was an overall negligent reduction in crime. Aggravated assault has had a meaningful increase. For Crimes Against Property, for the same time period, there has been a meaningful increase in theft of car parts. Overall, a small reduction in crimes. Crimes Against Society, for the same time period, shows a reduction in drug violations, possibly due to cite and arrest. However, weapons violations has significantly increased. He explained clearance rates are hard to capture, as an crime committed in one month may be carried forward to a different month. Or they may have cleared an …
` PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES January 24, 2022 Rebecca Bernhardt Queen Austin Michael Sierra-Arevalo John Kiracofe Rebecca Webber The Public Safety Commission convened a hybrid in person and videoconferencing meeting Monday, January 24, 2022 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Rebecca Gonzalez called the Board Meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Kathleen Hausenfluck Nelly Ramirez Amanda Lewis Rocky Lane Cory Hall-Martin Board Members Absent: none Staff in Attendance: Robin Henderson, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department Teresa Gardner, Assistant Chief, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department Citizen Communications - Citizens signed up to speak: Cathy Mitchell 1. Approval of Minutes – Chair Gonzales called for approval of the minutes by asking for any edits/changes, questions concerning the draft minutes of the December 6, 2021 meeting. Hearing no edits from the board, she deemed the minutes approved. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Legislative update on SB69 (sponsors: Commissioner Ramirez and Gonzales) 4:00 pm-4:17pm Speaker(s): -Anni-Michelle Evans, Policy Compliance Consultant, Office of Police Oversight 1 As OPO was not online, Chair Gonzales moved on to the next item. This was picked back up at 4:00. Ms. Evans reported she was pleased to hear APD plans to revise the policy, but has not seen that language yet. She would like to highlight three points relating to duty to intervene: 1) proactive vs reactive language. APD seems to create a policy that is purely reactive. It needs to include proactive language. 2) Subjective vs. objective. APD needs to be revised to include objective (should know). 3). Reporting requirements. APD needs to be revised to mirror specifics of the bill, such as a making a written report. OPO also recommends more clarity on what should be included in report and timeline for report. Regarding neck restraints, APD should revise policy to reflect legislative intent to prevent all forms of prohibiting blood flow or air intake. Commissioner Webber wanted to know what the remedies for not intervening, which OPO stated was still up for debate. Ms. Evans stated she wasn’t aware of any changes yet. Commissioner Bernhardt was concerned that officers in Texas put knees in people’s backs. She wanted APD to ban that, which OPO agrees with and would support changes that reflect that. Commissioner Arevalo had a question on anticipated vs known excessive force – what kind …
1 Follow-up to BBB Complaint #16811494 March 5, 2022 Dear BBB, Feb. 26, 2022, I filed a BBB complaint (#16811494) against Starbucks Corporate. March 1, 2022, BBB’s electronic reply included the following suggestion: “should you desire to have your experience report publicly you may write a customer review by clicking "Get Involved" on bbb.org. “ However, there is NO “Get involved” to click on bbb.org, though I do want to publicly report what I documented in Complaint #16811494. Also, the BBB response said I am “not seeking BBB assistance in obtaining a specific resolution to your claim”. However, I am now seeking BBB assistance in obtaining an official written letter from Starbucks rightly overturning its new (2/28/22), wrongful Customer Restriction against me so that I am welcome at ALL Starbucks. STARBUCKS CUSTOMER RESTRICTION LETTER Feb. 28, 2022, Starbucks District Manager Anthony Rose (anrose@starbucks.com; 512- 571-7216) verbally told me, in person at Starbucks #691 at 3300 Bee Cave Road , Austin, TX, at about 10:45 AM, that I am now BANNED from ALL Starbucks stores in Austin, TX. At the same time, Mr. Rose handed me a letter dated 2/28/22 that appeared to be from Starbucks Coffee Company, entitled “Customer Restriction”, that says the following: “Dear Carlos Leon Our stores are a neighborhood gathering place for meeting friends and family. We are committed to creating a culture of warmth and belonging for all who enter our store. When using a Starbucks space, we respectfully request that customers behave in a manner that maintains a warm and welcoming environment by being considerate and respectful of others, communicating with respect, using spaces as intended and acting responsibly. We take very seriously the safety of our customers and partners (employees). Your recent conduct, which included: 2 Abusing our Third Place repeatedly by using obscene, harassing, abusive language, not limited to hate speech and racial slurs. Displaying inappropriate behavior by throwing a gifted granola bar while in the store on year 2021 at various stores in Austin, Texas and via emails to our Starbucks Care Team was disruptive and/or threatening to your fellow customers and our partners (employees). This behavior is unacceptable, and we can no longer permit you to visit any of our Starbucks stores. Please understand that if you choose to ignore this notice and return to one of our locations, you will be considered a trespasser. In that instance, we may elect …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION No. 20220307-02a March 7, 2022 Proposal that the Austin City Council make the Forensic Science Bureau independent of the Austin Police Department budgetarily and structurally Date: Subject: Motioned by: Rebecca Bernhardt Seconded by: Nelly Paulina Ramirez Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends that the City Council move the Forensic Science Bureau from under the control of the Austin Police Department and make it budgetarily and structurally independent. WHEREAS, the City of Austin operates the Forensic Science Bureau, which provides forensic laboratory services related to the investigation of crimes, under the budgetary and managerial control of the Austin Police Department; which is a holistic approach to assessing and evolving public safety systems. Reimagine Public Safety is supposed to go beyond the scope of law enforcement and include decoupling some activities previously envisioned as under law enforcement purview to be independent; closed by the Austin Police Department in 2016 as a result of systematic failures to hire and retain qualified staff, properly maintain biological samples, process samples in a timely manner, and follow scientifically sound protocols for forensic testing; enforcement as an important value. Independence helps eliminate bias, can make an organization more agile in setting priorities, in procurement and in hiring. Independence enables a lab to be transparent without the need to get approval from law enforcement leadership; recommended that forensic labs be independent from law enforcement. WHEREAS, the predecessor to the Forensic Science Bureau, the Austin Crime Lab, was WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to the Reimagine Public Safety Initiative, WHEREAS, best practices for forensic labs recognize the independence from law WHEREAS, the 2009 National Academy of Science Report on Forensic Sciences WHEREAS, an independent Forensic Sciences Bureau would be placed at the same level in the criminal justice system hierarchy as the Austin Police Department, the defense bar and the Travis County DA’s Office. This enables the Bureau to advocate for what is best in evidence analysis with the key players in the criminal justice system on equal footing; WHEREAS, until 2020 the budget of the Austin crime lab was rolled into a bundle with other civilian services in the Austin Police Department, including vehicle services and building maintenance, making it impossible for elected officials to identify and allocate needed resources to the crime lab even after serious problems with both staffing and equipment had been identified; budgetary needs to ensure that the …
