Austin Travis County EMS Staffing Authorized Strength 643 Sworn FTEs* 534 Current Sworn FTEs 109 Current vacancies 23 Cadets in current Academy (Graduate May 7, 2021) *12 Sworn FTEs become available for funding June 2021 *12 Sworn FTEs become available for funding July 2021 Next Academy July 19, 2021 (24 – 40 cadets) Depending on room and current Guidlines
Recommendations to Counc Services for Survivors of Violence and Violence Prevention Workgroup Reimagining Public Safety Task Force Work Group Members Aja Gair - SAFE Kachina Clark - APD Victim Services Tricia Forbes - Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice Courtney Santana - Survive2Thrive Jenny Black - SANE nurse Farah Muscadin - Director of OPO Neva Fernandez - Victim Services Manager DA’s office Jen Margulies - Undoing White Supremacy Austin Shelli Egger - Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, Gun Violence Task Force, & Family Violence Task Force Eloise Sepeda - Mission Capital, Formerly Refugee Services of Texas Emily LeBlanc - CASA of Travis County Julie Sweeney - County Attorney’s Office, DVHRT Noor ZK - Sex Worker Outreach Project of Austin Connie Geerhart - APD Victim Services Amanda Michelle Lewis - Survivor Justice Project Deepika Modali - Asian Family Support Services of Austin Angel Carroll - MEASURE Maggy McGiffert - UTMB Center for Violence Prevention Guiding Working Group Values 01 02 03 04 05 Survivor Centered Healing Justice Systems Accountability Culturally Affirming Trauma Informed Individuals, families, & communities most impacted by violence Invest in non- carceral resources for healing Let those who need it lead it Anti-racism work is anti-violence work Adopt universal precautions for trauma Survivor Services & Violence Prevention: An Expanding Approach: Augment Victim Services with a proliferation of community services that do not require survivors to have contact with the criminal legal system. -based Community-Rooted Safety Grant Program Establish a permanent grant fund of at least $350,000 per year for co m m u n ity-b a se d o rga n iza tio n s to im p le m e n t, e xp a n d , o r su p p o rt p ro m isin g in itia tive s th a t fo cu s o n : ● Sa fe ty a n d Im m e d ia te We ll-b e in g ○ Exa m p le s: Crisis In te rve n tio n & Victim /Su rvivo r Em e rge n cy Fu n d s ● He a lin g a n d Re p a ir fro m Ha rm ○ Exa m p le s: Tra n sfo rm a tive Ju stice Circle s, He a lin g Circle s, a n d Po d -m a p p in g …
` Michael Sierra-Arevalo Rocky Lane Amanda Lewis John Kiracofe Queen Enyioha PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 3, 2021 The Public Safety Commission convened a videoconferencing meeting Monday May 3, 2021 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Rebecca Gonzales called the Board Meeting to order at 3:09p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Rebecca Gonzales Rebecca Webber Kathleen Hausenfluck Nelly Ramirez Rebecca Bernhardt Board Members Absent: none Staff in Attendance: Troy Gay, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department Jasper Brown, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department Public Communications - Citizens signed up to speak: None Chair Gonzales welcomed three new members to the Public Safety Commission and asked that they introduce themselves. The new members are Amanda Lewis for District 4, Queen Enyioha for District 1 and John Kiracofe for District 6. 1. Approval of Minutes – Chair Gonzales asked for any edits/comments to the minutes for April 5, 2021, presented. Hearing no comments/edits the minutes were deemed approved. 1 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Public Safety Organizations Quarterly Report – Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services (sponsors: Commissioner Hausenfluck and Gonzales) -Jasper Brown, Chief of Staff, Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services Chief Brown presented the quarterly stats for EMS to the board on - Staffing (currently at 139 vacancies - EMS Cadet Classes – July 19, 2021 next scheduled class begins - COVID-19 Update – EMS department 86% vaccinated Chair Gonzales asked for questions or discussions at the end of the presentation. 3. Future Agenda Items Commissioner Gonzales decided to take this item up prior to Re-imagining Public Safety Presentation Public Safety Commissioners discussed the different topics they would like to have for future briefings and possible action items. -City and community response to Winter Storm 2021 and data from City of Austin Auditor’s Office (Commissioner Ramirez and Commissioner Gonzales) -Update on Implementation of Prop B (Commissioner Bernhardt and Commissioner Kiracofe) -Update on hiring Police Chief (Commissioner Ramirez) -Requested a firm release date of Auditor’s Report on Winter Storm (Commissioner Lane) -Update on Austin Police Academy training academy (Commissioner Kiracofe) -Update on search for EMS Chief (Commissioner Webber) 2 b. Re-Imagining Public Safety Presentations (sponsors: Commissioner Webber and Gonzales) Speakers: -Reimaging Public Safety Task Force Members -Amanda Lewis, Public Safety Commissioner Commissioner Webber introduced Farah Muscadin, Director, Office of Police Oversight. Farah share a brief …
` Michael Sierra-Arevalo Rocky Lane PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 5, 2021 The Public Safety Commission convened a videoconferencing meeting Monday April 5, 2021 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Rebecca Gonzales called the Board Meeting to order at 3:03p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Rebecca Gonzales Rebecca Webber Kathleen Hausenfluck Nelly Ramirez Rebecca Bernhardt Board Members Absent: Queen U. Enyioha and Amanda Lewis Staff in Attendance: Troy Gay, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department Jasper Brown, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department Public Communications - Citizens signed up to speak: Carlos Leon – Capital Metro Male Bus Drivers 1. Approval of Minutes – Chair Gonzales asked for any edits/comments to the minutes for February1, 2021presented. Hearing no comments/edits the minutes were deemed approved. 1 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Vote on recommendation in support of Council Resolution No. 20190619-092, gaps and opportunities for improvements of mental health services for public safety first responders (sponsors: Commissioner Gonzales and Webber) 3:25pm-3:35pm Chair Gonzales introduced the item by sharing a little background from the February 1, 2021 meeting. A mental health presentation was made to the Public Safety Commissioners during the February 2021 meeting because of the directives in Resolution 20190619-092. During the February 2021 meeting, the commissioners agreed on voting in support of the mental health items recommended for improving the Mental Services for all first responders. The February meeting ended before a vote could be taken and it was agreed that the vote would be taken at the March 2021 meeting, however that meeting was cancelled due to the winter storm. April 5, 2021 meeting the recommendation was put up for a vote, and there was discussion prior to a motion to vote. - Commissioner Sierra-Arevalo requested clarification on funding for Dr. Glenn - Commissioner Lane- commented on concerns he was hearing from the public on items/things needed since the winter storm. Things that were more for overall improving quality of life care - Commissioner Webber questioned the purpose of the recommendation and who drafted the list of recommendations to improve/close gaps in mental health care for 1st responders - Commissioner Webber also questioned the policy on use of CBD oils for 1st responders Jasper Brown, Ronnelle Paulsen, Rob Vires and Troy Gay all weighed in on responding to the questions from the board. …
Versión en español a continuación. Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Commission April 5, 2021 at 3:00pm Public Safety Commission meeting to be held, April 5, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (April 4, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 5, 2021 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION Meeting, members of the public must •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-5747 or Janet.jackson@austintexas.gov no later than noon, April 4, 2021 (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Janet.jackson@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Reunión del PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION la junta en reunión se residentes pueden ver FECHA de la reunion April 5, 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (April 4, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de (512) 974-5747 or Janet.jackson@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se …
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` Rocky Lane Daniela Nunez PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 1, 2021 The Public Safety Commission convened a videoconferencing meeting Monday February 1, 2021 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Rebecca Gonzales called the Board Meeting to order at 3:00p.m, Board Members in Attendance: Rebecca Gonzales Kathleen Hausenfluck Nelly Ramirez Rebecca Bernhardt Board Members Absent: William (Bill) Kelly and Rebecca Webber (30minutes late) Staff in Attendance: Troy Gay, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department Jasper Brown, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department Public Communications - Citizens signed up to speak: Carlos Leon – speaking on election integrity 1. Approval of Minutes – Chair Gonzales asked for any edits/comments to the minutes December 7, 2020 and January 4, 2021presented. Hearing no comments/edits the minutes were deemed approved. 1 2. Old Business -The Reports, Interviews, and Survey -Joyce James: Consultant -Wendy Hill -Don Baumann a. Continued Presentation –Austin Police Department Audit, APD Racial Inequities and Institutional Racism report by Joyce James (sponsors: Commissioner Gonzales and Webber) 3:25pm-4:00pm Speakers: -Framework: The Texas Model for Addressing Disproportionality & Disparities (Texas Model) -Documentation Review and Analysis -Recommended Quick Wins for APD -Austin Police Department Racial Equity Recommendations in the Context of the Texas Model -A Groundwater Analysis of Racial Inequities -Austin Police Department Priorities and Opportunities for Immediate and Measurable Actions (as developed through JJC strategic planning) Chair Gonzales invited Dr. James to begin her presentation. Dr. James introduced the additional presenters joining her in the presentation. Dr. James highlighted the presentation overview and shared the key topics they would present. Ms. James commented on the framework her team used to perform the audit on racial inequities and institutional racism. Ms. James shared their role was to help identify racial inequities within the Austin Police Department and to help them develop immediate and prolonged strategies to eliminate the inequities. The Texas Model included data-driven strategies, leadership development, culturally competent workforce and community engagement. The Tatum Report was reviewed by James Consulting and commented on their findings. James consulting surveyed a thousand sworn and civilian employees of APD and survey data indicated that African Americans were less satisfied with the workplace climate as it relates to promotion, complaints, and fairness than Hispanics and Whites. The survey results showed women were more dissatisfied than men in organizational issues of …
Austin Police Department Public Safety Commission Citywide Response Times and Calls for Service Calls for Service and Response Times by Council District Overtime Budget vs. Overtime Spent Overtime Hours by Rank Staffing COVID-19 Data April 5, 2021 Citywide Response Times and Calls for Service Calls for Services and Response Time Oct 1- Dec 31, 2020 (Q1) Overtime APD Budgeted Overtime vs. Actual Overtime* 9/13/20 - 03/13/21 • 138% Spent 4961653.39 3582531 Overtime Budget Overtime Expenditures • *Does not include reimbursed overtime or COVID FEMA $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 $- Staffing Authorized: 1809 Filled: 1702 Current Vacancies: 107 No ongoing or scheduled academy class at this time. As of 3/30/2021 COVID-19 Data Positive COVID Cases % Positive Cases Positive COVID Covered by WC % Covered by WC Employees Currently Off due to COVID Employees Previously Off due to COVID Total Employees Off due to COVID Employees given ADA Accommodations due to COVID Employees Who Received City Emergency Leave Employees Who Received City Emergency Leave due to Workers' Comp Exposure % Due to Workers' Comp Exposure Employees Who Received City Emergency Leave and Expanded FMLA for care of their Child(ren) 123 49 172 Sworn 190 76% Civilian 60 24% Total 250 100% 139 73% 26 43% 165 66% 1 579 580 9 3 220 223 19 160 156 98% 121 61 50% 4 799 803 28 281 217 77%
Public Safety FY2021-22 Budget Forecast April 5, 2021 City of Austin, TX Austin Police FY2021-22 Budget Forecast April 5, 2021 City of Austin, TX Police Department Budget Overview FY2021 Totals at a Glance FY2021 Approved Budget $292.9 Million FY2021 Positions 1,809 Sworn 647.25 Civilian FY2021 Budget by Program FY2021 Reimagine Public Safety Funds Decouple Fund $64.6M Reimagine Safety Fund $45.1M Forensic Science Fund $11.9M Police Department Budget Overview FY2022 Forecast FY2022 Forecast Budget $302.7 Million* FY2022 Positions 1,809 Sworn 647.25 Civilian Police FY2022 Forecast Highlights Personnel Cost Drivers Interfund Transfers Capital & Non-Capital Replacement Items Contract & Operating Increases $2.9M $4.5M $1.7M $697K Total $9.8M* or 3.3% *Estimate: The FY2022 Budget Forecast is still under development, pending CM review and City Council approval. Council Initiatives & Other Budget Items Under Review Sworn Overtime Terminal Pay Increase $2.8M $3.4M $1.6M $8.1M 2.5 Civilian FTEs for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; and the Training Academy $328K Helicopter Replacement Total Austin Fire FY2021-22 Budget Forecast April 5, 2021 City of Austin, TX Fire Department Budget Overview FY2021 Totals at a Glance FY2021 Approved Budget $215.2 Million FY2021 Positions 1,241 Sworn 137 Civilian & 60 Cadet FY2021 Budget by Program FY2021 Budget Highlights $1M for annualized staffing for fire station in Del Valle $858K for partial year staffing & equipment at new Travis Country fire station $1.1M for Wildland Urban Interface positions (5 sworn and 6 civilian) and one-time expenses $3.1M for Overtime- mandatory staffing Fire Department Budget Overview FY2022 Forecast FY2022 Forecast Budget $223.4 Million* FY2022 Positions 1,257 Sworn 137 Civilian & 60 Cadets Fire FY2022 Forecast Highlights Personnel Cost Drivers $4.4M Interfund Transfers $2.2M Annualization of WUI and Travis Country staffing $951K Loop 360 Station Personnel & Operating (partial year) $700K Contract Increases (cleaning supplies & PPE) $300K Total $8.5M *Estimate: The FY2022 Budget is still under development, pending City Council approval. Council Initiatives & Other Budget Items Under Review 1. Del Valle Ladder 2. Civilian conversions temp to permanent (4FTEs) 3. Mental Health Support (2FTEs) 4. Mental Health training (contracted) TOTAL $1.6M $303K $187K $50K $2.1M Emergency Medical Services Department Review April 5, 2021 City of Austin, TX EMS Department Budget Overview FY 2021 Totals at a Glance... FY 2021 Approved Budget FY 2021 Positions FY 2021 Sources FY …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20210405-002a April 5, 2021 Recommendation that City Council Support Improvements to Mental Health Services Date: Subject: Motioned by: Chair Rebecca Gonzales Seconded by: Commissioner Ramirez Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends that the City Council take action to support the findings of the report outlining the gaps and opportunities for improvement of mental health services for Austin’s first responders. Description of Recommendation to Council: City Council passed Resolution No. 20190619-092 directing the City Manager to develop a report outlining the gaps and opportunities for improvement of mental health services for our first responders. Therefore, The Public Safety Commission recommends that the Austin City Council move forward with the recommended improvements to the mental health services including: • • • Establish a City-sponsored fund to retain a psychiatrist for first responders. Establish protocol for Mental Health days. Specialized training for public safety leadership on handling mental health issues for first responders. Develop and administer training on social-justice-informed mental health care. Hire 2 Full-Time employees to assist psychologists and Peer Support coordinators. Additional funding for Peer Support activities. Revisit departmental policies to accept the use of CBD oil for first responders. Implement annual behavioral health check-ins for first responders. Increased funding allocation for Dr. Tania Glenn & Associates, PA. Coordinate a joint statement from City leadership, Associations, and Department management that commits to limitations on sharing mental health treatment information and that seeking therapy will not have negative repercussions on a first responder’s career. • • • • • • • Rationale: The Public Safety Commission believes the mental and physical health of our first responders is key to the safety of the citizens of Austin. Vote: For: 6 (Commissioners Ramirez, Lane, Sierra-Arevalo, Bernhardt, Hausenfluck, Gonzales) Against: 1 (Commissioner Webber) Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 (Commissioner Enyioha) Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] __________________________________
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20210405-003b April 5, 2021 Recommendation: Public Safety Budget Date: Subject: Motioned by: Chair Rebecca Gonzales Seconded by: Commissioner Nelly Ramirez Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends that the City Council take action to support the following budget items. Description of Recommendation to Council: During the April Public Safety Commission meeting, the three Public Safety organizations presented their initial budget requests. Therefore, The Public Safety Commission recommends that the Austin City Council move forward with the following budget requests: APD • Sworn Overtime - $2.8M • Terminal Pay Increase - $3.4M • 2.5 Civilian FTEs for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; and the Training Academy - $1.6M • Total $7.8M Fire EMS • Del Valle Ladder - $1.6M • Civilian conversions temp to permanent (4FTEs) - $303K • Mental Health Support (2FTEs) - $187K • Mental Health training (contracted) - $50K • Total $2.1M • Program Leadership Enhancement - $962K • Phasing in FTEs to standardize staffing levels at all stations (12FTEs) - $3.6M • Community Relations and Injury Prevention Investment - $232K • Total $4.794M Rationale: The Public Safety Commission believes the budget items listed in the recommendation are either vital to operations of the public safety organizations. Vote: For: 7 (Commissioners Lane, Ramirez, Hausenfluck, Bernhardt, Webber, Gonzales and Lewis) Against: 0 Abstain: 1 (Commissioner Sierra-Arevalo) Absent: 1 (Commissioner Enyioha) Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] __________________________________
` Michael Sierra-Arevalo Rocky Lane Amanda Lewis PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 5, 2021 The Public Safety Commission convened a videoconferencing meeting Monday April 5, 2021 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Rebecca Gonzales called the Board Meeting to order at 3:03p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Rebecca Gonzales Rebecca Webber Kathleen Hausenfluck Nelly Ramirez Rebecca Bernhardt Board Members Absent: Queen U. Enyioha Staff in Attendance: Troy Gay, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department Jasper Brown, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department Public Communications - Citizens signed up to speak: Carlos Leon – Capital Metro Male Bus Drivers 1. Approval of Minutes – Chair Gonzales asked for any edits/comments to the minutes for February1, 2021presented. Hearing no comments/edits the minutes were deemed approved. 1 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Vote on recommendation in support of Council Resolution No. 20190619-092, gaps and opportunities for improvements of mental health services for public safety first responders (sponsors: Commissioner Gonzales and Webber) 3:25pm-3:35pm Chair Gonzales introduced the item by sharing a little background from the February 1, 2021 meeting. A mental health presentation was made to the Public Safety Commissioners during the February 2021 meeting per the directives in Resolution 20190619-092. During the February 2021 meeting, the commissioners agreed on voting in support of the mental health items recommended for improving the Mental Health Services for all first responders. The February meeting ended before a vote could be taken and it was agreed that the vote would be taken at the March 2021 meeting, however that meeting was cancelled due to the Texas winter storm. April 5, 2021 meeting the recommendation was put up for a vote, and there was discussion prior to a motion to vote. - Commissioner Sierra-Arevalo requested clarification on funding for Dr. Glenn - Commissioner Lane- commented on concerns he was hearing from the public on items/things needed since the winter storm. Things that were more for overall improving quality of life care. - Commissioner Webber questioned the purpose of the recommendation and who drafted the list of recommendations to improve/close gaps in mental health care for 1st responders - Commissioner Webber also questioned the policy on use of CBD oils for 1st responders Jasper Brown, Ronnelle Paulsen, Rob Vires and Troy Gay all weighed in on responding to the questions from the board. …
` Rocky Lane Daniela Nunez PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 1, 2021 The Public Safety Commission convened a videoconferencing meeting Monday February 1, 2021 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Rebecca Gonzales called the Board Meeting to order at 3:00p.m, Board Members in Attendance: Rebecca Gonzales Kathleen Hausenfluck Nelly Ramirez Rebecca Bernhardt Board Members Absent: William (Bill) Kelly and Rebecca Webber (30minutes late) Staff in Attendance: Troy Gay, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department Jasper Brown, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department Public Communications - Citizens signed up to speak: Carlos Leon – speaking on election integrity 1. Approval of Minutes – Chair Gonzales asked for any edits/comments to the minutes December 7, 2020 and January 4, 2021presented. Hearing no comments/edits the minutes were deemed approved. 1 2. Old Business -The Reports, Interviews, and Survey -Joyce James: Consultant -Wendy Hill -Don Baumann a. Continued Presentation –Austin Police Department Audit, APD Racial Inequities and Institutional Racism report by Joyce James (sponsors: Commissioner Gonzales and Webber) 3:25pm-4:00pm Speakers: -Framework: The Texas Model for Addressing Disproportionality & Disparities (Texas Model) -Documentation Review and Analysis -Recommended Quick Wins for APD -Austin Police Department Racial Equity Recommendations in the Context of the Texas Model -A Groundwater Analysis of Racial Inequities -Austin Police Department Priorities and Opportunities for Immediate and Measurable Actions (as developed through JJC strategic planning) Chair Gonzales invited Dr. James to begin her presentation. Dr. James introduced the additional presenters joining her in the presentation. Dr. James highlighted the presentation overview and shared the key topics they would present. Ms. James commented on the framework her team used to perform the audit on racial inequities and institutional racism. Ms. James shared their role was to help identify racial inequities within the Austin Police Department and to help them develop immediate and prolonged strategies to eliminate the inequities. The Texas Model included data-driven strategies, leadership development, culturally competent workforce and community engagement. The Tatum Report was reviewed by James Consulting and commented on their findings. James consulting surveyed a thousand sworn and civilian employees of APD and survey data indicated that African Americans were less satisfied with the workplace climate as it relates to promotion, complaints, and fairness than Hispanics and Whites. The survey results showed women were more dissatisfied than men in organizational issues of …
Versión en español a continuación. Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Commission February 1, 2021 at 3:00pm Public Safety Commission meeting to be held, February 1, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (January 31, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the February 1, 2021 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION Meeting, members of the public must •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-5747 or Janet.jackson@austintexas.gov no later than noon, January 31, 2021 (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Janet.jackson@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Reunión del PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION la junta en reunión se residentes pueden ver FECHA de la reunion February 1, 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (January 31, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de (512) 974-5747 or Janet.jackson@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se …
` Rocky Lane Daniela Nunez PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, January 4, 2021 The Public Safety Commission convened a videoconferencing meeting Monday, January 4, 2021 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Rebecca Gonzales called the Board Meeting to order at 3:00p.m, Board Members in Attendance: Rebecca Webber Kathleen Hausenfluck Nelly Ramirez Rebecca Bernhardt Board Members Absent: William (Bill) Kelly Staff in Attendance: Troy Gay, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department Jasper Brown, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department Public Communications - Citizens signed up to speak on agenda items only: There were no citizens signed up to speak. 1. Approval of Minutes – There were no minutes presented for approval. The December 7, 2020 meeting minutes will be presented for approval at the February 1, 2021 meeting 2. Public Safety Departments Quarterly Report – ATCEMS (Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services) Department Services) Department - Jasper Brown, Chief of Staff, ATCEMS (Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Commissioner Gonzales asked COS, Brown to present EMS Quarterly Stats. COS Brown began presenting the response stats for the last six months through 11-2020 that capture/show the overall response performance for all council districts, and commented by showing six months of data it captures/shows trends within EMS department response times. 1 employees. -The volumes of calls is down is that a significant factor in improving response times? Ramirez due to a lot of businesses (bars, restaurants, etc…) having to close or reduce hours of operation during COVID. -What is the bar for compliance within all categories? Commissioner Sierra-Arevalo 9minutes 59seconds responded COS, Brown -I would like to commend EMS on the overall compliance of those response times. EMS response times overall showed an improvement to being 91% in compliance. Some of our improved response times can be due to EMS reposition of units and the addition of a 24hour unit approved by council helped to improve the response times. Questions and comments from the commissioners; Commissioner Lane COS, Brown responded we(EMS) currently are busy but not as busy as we were pre- COVID The discussion was interrupted for Commissioner Webber to switch over to preside as Chair of the meeting pending Commissioner Gonzales’s return from technical difficulties. COS Brown continued to present the Quarterly Stats and moved to EMS COVID stats/updates as of end of year, December 30, 2020 …
Mental Health Services for First Responders Public Safety Commission February 1, 2021 Patricia Bourenane, Management Services Assistant Director Dr. Ronnelle Paulsen, AFD Health & Wellness Director Rick Randall, APD Background • Council Resolution No. 20190619-092 – directed the City Manager to develop a report outlining the gaps and opportunities for improvement of mental health services for our first responders. • Fall 2020 – Input from HRD, first responders, Departments, and Public Safety Associations • January 2021 – Input session with first responders, staff psychologists, Associations and Department leadership • CAPCOG and Dell Medical School Request • Gathering additional input • February 1st – Public Safety Commission • February 3rd – Austin-Travis EMS Advisory Board • February 10th – Firefighters' and Police Officers' Civil Service Commission • City Auditor • Your feedback - What gaps and/or improvements have we missed? Current Gaps Improvements • Need for a contracted psychiatrist to provide psychiatric treatment • City’s insurance limitations with connecting to mental health providers and substance abuse treatment • Mental Health days for first responders • Additional Peer Support program funding, support and activities • Need for enhanced training for leadership within the departments in understanding the mental health needs of their employees AFD/EMS/APD • Wellness Center • Website • Volunteer Chaplains • APD First Responder Mental Health Grant Peer Support Program • • Critical Incident Stress Management debriefings Austin Fire • Two psychologists Austin Police Department Two psychologists • • APD Wellness Bureau’s internal • website Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy City’s Medical Plan • BlueCross BlueShield • • Employee Assistance Program iConnectYou • Establish a City-sponsored fund to retain a psychiatrist for first responders. • Establish protocol for Mental Health days. • Specialized training for public safety leadership on handling mental health issues for first responders. • Develop and administer training on social- justice-informed mental health care. • Hire 2 Full-Time employees to assist psychologists and Peer Support coordinators. • Additional funding for Peer Support activities. • Revisit departmental policies to accept the use of CBD oil for first responders. • Implement annual behavioral health check-ins • Increased funding allocation for Dr. Tania Glenn for first responders. & Associates, PA. • Coordinate a joint statement from City leadership, Associations, and Department management that commits to limitations on sharing mental health treatment information and that seeking therapy will not have negative repercussions on a first responder’s career. Next Steps • …
Current Mental Health Services for First Responders Multiple Departments The following mental health services that span over multiple public safety departments, for first responders’ access: Austin Public Safety Wellness Center Wellness website also offers information about crisis/recovery resources, including inpatient care, outpatient services, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and the suicide. prevention/crisis hotline for immediate help. Volunteer Chaplains provide support (spiritual and emotional), counseling, and pastoral care. APD is staffed by 19 volunteer clergy, providing spiritual counseling and support. EMS accesses the APD chaplain list while AFD is staffed by 3 additional volunteer clergy. APD First Responder Mental Health Grant which offers first responders up to 17 confidential sessions with a licensed therapist at no cost. Peer Support Programs to provide emotional support and referrals. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) debriefings, are conducted after a critical incident, voluntary participation and are completely confidential for all participants. Below are services provided, specific to each department: Austin Fire Department Two psychologists (Dr. Ebony Butler and Dr. March Kruse) offer a range of no-cost mental health services. Psychologists also provide training to AFD/EMS cadets (e.g. introduction to behavioral health difficulties, substance use/DUI). Austin-Travis County EMS EMS contracts with a psychologist, available 24/7, Dr. Tania Glenn, PsyD, LCSW, who provides help during traumatic events, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), suicide prevention education, depression, among other life incidents that may require special care. Austin Police Department Two psychologists (Dr. Carol Logan and Dr. David Duran) offering a range of no-cost mental health APD Wellness Bureau’s internal website provides convenient access to these services. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy 1 services. The City of Austin provides health benefits for employees, which includes the following mental health services: City of Austin’s Insurance Provider City medical plans (BlueCross BlueShield) covers mental health services. City’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Deer Oaks, LLC, provides short-term confidential counseling to help first responders and their families deal with life’s stresses. iConnectYou app instantly connects to professionals for instant support and to help find resources.
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Public Safety Commission City of Austin Firefighters', Police Officers' and Emergency Medical Services Personnel Civil Service Commission Austin-Travis County EMS Advisory Board Office of the City Auditor FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Request for Input on Mental Health Care for First Responders (Resolution No. Rey Arellano, Assistant City Manager January 25, 2021 20190619-092) The purpose of this memo is to request your input regarding mental health care for first responders as directed by Council Resolution No. 20190619-092, which highlights the growing concern regarding mental health issues and the significant impact they have on the overall wellness of public safety first responders. The Resolution directed the City Manager to develop a report that thoroughly explains and identifies gaps and opportunities for improvement. The Resolution further directed the City Manager to obtain input from your Commission/Board/Department on any gaps or areas of improvement. I would request your feedback during your February 2021 board meeting, or by the end of the next week after your respective Commission/Board meeting, or by February 19, 2021. The attached report (Attachment A) provides an overview of the following areas: 1. Current options available to first responders to support and manage mental health needs; 2. The current state of health care insurance coverage for first responders; 3. Maintaining privacy and protecting first responders from retaliation for disclosing personal mental health conditions and needs; 1 4. Law enforcement best practices and innovations, pre-screening and ongoing 5. Areas of improvement and next steps; and 6. First responder statements about the unique, on-the-job experiences they deal with evaluations; daily. The City Manager’s Office engaged the three public safety departments, Human Resources Department, staff psychologists, first responders, and public safety Association presidents to receive feedback. In addition, the Office of Medical Director reached out to the Dell Medical School and EMS reached to the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) to gain their feedback on this important topic. The gaps identified by stakeholders include the need for a contracted psychiatrist to provide psychiatric treatment; City’s insurance limitations with connecting to mental health providers and substance abuse treatment; mental health days for first responders; additional Peer Support program funding, support and activities; and the need for enhanced training for leadership within the departments in understanding the mental health needs of their employees. Staff had the opportunity to meet with first responders, Associations and the …
` William Kelly Rocky Lane Daniela Nunez PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, December 7, 2020 The Public Safety Commission convened a videoconferencing meeting Monday, December 7, 2020 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Rebecca Webber called the Board Meeting to order at 3:05p.m, and informed the board Chair Rebecca Gonzales is absent today due to COVID-19 and the impact on her family. Board Members in Attendance: Rebecca Webber Kathleen Hausenfluck Nelly Ramirez Rebecca Bernhardt Board Members Absent: Rebecca Gonzales Staff in Attendance: Troy Gay, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department Jasper Brown, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department Public Communications - Citizens signed up to speak on agenda items only: There were no citizens signed up to speak. 1. Approval of Minutes – Commissioner Webber asked for comments/edits of the November 2, 2020 Public Safety Commission meeting minutes. Hearing no edits or corrections to the minutes, Commissioner Webber deemed the minutes approved. 1 2. Public Safety Departments Quarterly Report – Austin Police Department - Troy Gay, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department - Rick Randall, Director of Health and Wellness, Austin Police Department -Citywide-Crime Against Persons -Citywide-Crime Against Property -Citywide-Crimes Against Society Commissioner Webber called for Troy Gay to begin his quarterly presentation. Chief of Staff, Troy Gay begin the presentation with comments concerning APD’s transition to a new reporting structure, NIBRS (National Incident-Based Reporting System), per the FBI reporting requirements. One reason mentioned for APD switching from the UCR (Uniform Crime Report) crime reporting structure to NIBRS is the crime analysis is vaster with using NIBERS structure. COS Gay introduced Dr. Jonathan Kringen and asked him to begin the presentation of APD’s quarterly crime data. Dr. Kringen presented data for Dr. Kringen presented data in the different categories and explained that NIBRS reporting structure counts all of the crimes committed in one incident, whereas the UCR(Uniformed Crime Reporting) structure of reporting crimes only counts the highest crime committed in an incident; this contributes to the vast reporting by NIBRS. The 2019 crime data was compiled using the NIBRS standard. There was discussion by the board on APD transitioning to the new reporting structure (NIBRS): Commissioner Kelly commented he would rather the smaller numbers not be reported as it causes for a higher percentage increase to be reported that is not always …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20210201-002a Racial Profiling in High Discretion Searches February 1, 2021 Rebecca Bernhardt Rebecca Webber Date: Subject: Motioned by: Seconded by: Background facts: —APD has been collecting racial profiling data since the state law passed requiring its collection in 2001. —Throughout the time that APD has collected data on racial profiling, the data has consistently shown that Black/African American drivers are significantly more likely to be searched by APD at a vehicle stop than White/Caucasian drivers, and significantly more likely to be arrested. — 2019 data shows that Black/African Americans were three times more likely to be searched and approximately three times more likely to be arrested than White/Caucasians. — 58 percent of searches of Black/African Americans, amounting to 1,124 searches, were high discretion searches, where law enforcement had a lot of discretion in whether or not they chose to search the vehicle. By comparison 34 percent of searches of White/Caucasian Americans were high discretion searches, totaling 755 searches. Recommendation: We recommend that the City Council direct the City Manager ensure that any high discretion searches resulting in the discovery of drug or controlled substance contraband that would normally result in arrest not be referred to the district or county attorney’s offices for prosecution. The following policies should be enacted as soon as possible: 1. The definition of high discretion search includes both consent searches and searches conducted because the officer “smelled marijuana” or “smelled something suspicious.” 2. Officers cease conducting high discretion searches at vehicle stops. Vote: For: Commissioners Gonzales, Nunez, Ramirez, Bernhardt, Sierra-Arevalo, Hausenfluck and Lane Against: None Abstain: Webber Absent: William (Bill) Kelly Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] __________________________________