POP UP RESOURCE CLINICS A U S T I N - T R AV I S C O U N T Y E M S I N T E G R AT E D S E R V I C E S S E R V I N G T H E U N D E R S E R V E D 1 Innovative Service, Care & Navigation Connect clients with resources Complete interventions on site Reduce costs and overlap in services On Site Resources Overcoming Barriers to Care Healthcare Funding • Can be approved within 10 minutes—Receive physical card • Approved for services at Seton Hospitals, Community Care Clinics and prescription services at HEB with no co-pay Substance Use Harm Reduction • All necessary agencies on site to connect to treatment • Assist with placement, funding, transportation and support Medical Care and Testing • Physicians and medical teams on site to provide care • Medical Testing—HIV, Hep B & C, All STDs • If positive – Client will be connected to ongoing resources/care teams Pink PURC • Resources and care specifically focused for females • Provides safe environment for females who have experienced trauma • All staff and volunteers are female PURC Data FY2023 FY2023 vs Q1 FY2024 Q1 FY2024 1000 West Rundberg Lane, 78758 1030 Norwood Park Boulevard, 78753 1300 Lavaca Street, 78701 1807 Ferguson Lane, 78754 6900 East Ben White Boulevard, 78741 710 West Cesar Chavez Street, 78701 889 Wilks Avenue, 78752 PURC Locations Q1 FY2024 Questions? 7
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Public Safety Commission Recommenda>on Number: 20240304-005: Recommenda>on for FY24-25 Budget Cycle WHEREAS, the Public Safety Commission has discussed topics with the Aus>n Fire Department, the Aus>n Police Department, Aus>n-Travis County EMS, addi>onal city departments, and community organiza>ons that coordinate with our public safety departments; and WHEREAS, throughout the course of those discussions various departments have expressed programma>c and departmental needs. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Public Safety Commission encourages the Aus>n Fire Department, the Aus>n Police Department, Aus>n Travis County EMS, and Aus>n City Council to allocate funds and explore all available means to incorporate the following priori>es into the FY24-25 Budget: • • • • • Public Safety Wellness Center - funding for Electronic Medical Records and market salary adjustments to address physician shortage Sobering Center - adjustment of base opera>onal budget alloZed to con>nue 24/7 opera>ons and for expanded use of pop-ups in entertainment districts across the city Language & Interpreta>on Services - budget assessment and addi>onal dollars to expand s>pends for fluency in mul>ple languages, expand wriZen materials to include more languages (including ASL and Braille), and con>nuing educa>on opportuni>es for both sworn and unsworn staff • Opioid use mi>ga>on and educa>on efforts - funding for any needed expansion of self-serve narcan kit sta>ons throughout the city, staffing, and supplies Community Health Paramedics - funding for addi>onal FTEs and/or market salary adjustments to expand and beZer leverage our community health paramedic program Extreme Weather Preparedness - budget assessment of any outstanding unmet needs for public safety departments response and readiness in frequent extreme weather responses • Wildfire - assessment of funds needed to increase outreach in Eastern Crescent and grow educa>on efforts in underserved areas of urban wildfire landscape Date of Approval: March 4, 2024 Record of the vote: Unanimous on an 8-0 vote, Commissioners Hall-Martin and Hermesmeyer were absent. AZest: _____________________________________________ Christi Vitela (Staff or board member can sign)
Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers PENDING QUESTIONS: February 5, 2024 Item 4. Policing and Disabilities – Austin Police Department - Data Would like additional information from the planning and research department on data that is available around interactions with our disabled community and the police. APD is actively researching this topic and engaging with various subject matter experts. March 4, 2024 Item 2 - EMS Quarterly Update 1. Why were there not any provided in the eastern crescent in the last quarter? FY2024 Q1 had several items that limited our ability to conduct PURCs in the eastern crescent. o October—we conduct a pink PURC that necessitates an indoor location and privacy for specific examinations. These locations are typically done in central Austin. o We had a PURC scheduled at the Marshalling Yard which is in the 78741 zip code. That had to be rescheduled and was completed in January 2024. o Weather during this time of the year can be difficult which requires an indoor location to conduct a PURC. We have significant constraints for indoor options on the east side as many locations are joined with schools, kids activities or senior programing. 2. What plans are there for PURCs in the eastern crescent for this quarter and in the coming year and what outreach strategies are being used to determine need? For FY2024 Q2, we had 3 PURCs in the eastern crescent (78702, 78744, 78741). We are currently discussion a plan with PARD to formularize a plan to utilize locations that fall within the eastern crescent. This planning will determine location availability over the next 12 months so we can forecast future events. Here are some of our strategies to determine locations: o Appropriate facility given the time of year (cover, indoors, bathrooms, privacy, etc.) o Limit duplication of resources. We stay away from areas where other organizations are already providing services. o Determine locations that have both populations that are in need as well as limited or no services. o Locations need to be near or along a bus line. o Locations should be visible from the street and accessible. Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers Our process for determining locations has been fluid. Initiatives like camping bans and area clean outs result in movement of vulnerable populations. We trend these movements and try to adjust our approach to ensure we are serving our intended …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, March 4, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 4, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024, at City Hall Building, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt, Vice-Chair David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Angelica Reyes Timothy Ruttan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Stephanie Ryan – support for APD Ruth Moonesinghe – death of her son, Raj Moonesinghe Carlos Leon – APD and CapMetro complaints APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on February 5, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 02/05/2024, were approved on Commissioner Bernhardt’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Hall-Martin and Hermesmeyer were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Teresa Gardner, Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) Chief of Staff regarding the Austin Travis County EMS Quarterly Report. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, March 4, 2024 Presentation was given by Stephen White, Acting Assistant Chief of Integrated Services. 3. Presentations by Chief of Staff Jeff Greenwalt, Austin Police Department; Chief of Staff Teresa Gardner, Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services; and Chief of Staff Rob Vire, Austin Fire Department; Texas Harm Reduction Alliance and Vocal Texas on opioid use hot spots, prevention, and education efforts. Presentations were given by Stephen White, EMS Acting Assistant Chief of Integrated Services; Angela Carr, EMS Division Chief; Mike Sasser, EMS Captain; Cate Graziani, Vocal Texas; and Gaby Libretti, Texas Harm Reduction Alliance. Commissioner Smith requested EMS follow up to include: -geographical locations of the Pop Up Resource Clinics (PURC) and their outreach strategies -a map of the interventions administered through the Buprenorphine Bridge Program (BBP) -zip code data for where the rescue kits are distributed and where Narcan is administered prior to EMS arrival -data included on the Austin Public Health Opioid Overdose Dashboard for overdose calls that result in an arrest 4. Presentations by Chief of Staff Jeff Greenwalt, Austin Police Department; Chief of Staff Teresa Gardner, Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services; and Chief of Staff Rob Vire, Austin Fire Department regarding electronic payroll system rollout. Presentations were given by Jeff Greenwalt, Chief of Staff, …
REGULAR MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION FEBRUARY 5, 2024 at 4:00PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Boards and Commission Room #1101 301 WEST 2nd STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Public Safety Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Janet Jackson, (512) 974-5747, or Janet.jackson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt, Vice Chair Cory Hall-Martin Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Lauren Peña Timothy Ruttan Yasmine Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first three 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 CALLED MEETING on January 8, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS meeting 2. Discussion on edit to APD’s Virtual Magistration Pilot Program presented at January 8, 2023 4. Discussion of policing and disabilities with the Office of Police Oversight, Austin Police 3. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire Department (Sponsors: Commisioners Ramirez and Bernhardt) Department (Sponsors: Commissioners Ramírez & Bernhardt) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 5. Discussion of Public Safety Wellness Center and potential formation of working group (Sponsors: Commissioners Nguyễn & Peña) 6. Discussion and potential formation of Budget Recommendations Working Group (Sponsors: Commissioners Ruttan and Peña) WORKING GROUP UPDATE 7. Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Joint Working Group with Commission for Women Update (Sponsors: Commissioners Ramírez and Orr) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Janet Jackson, Austin Police Department, at 512-974-547, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Public Safety Commission, please contact Chief of Staff, …
Austin Public Safety Commission Austin Police Department Booking and Magistration Process January 8, 2024 Background: Post-Arrest Processes 1. Immediate post-arrest actions occur at Travis Central Booking Facility (“Central Booking”) 2. Central Booking – owned by Travis Co., operated by Travis County Sheriff’s Office (“TCSO”) 3. APD arrests = 60-65% of all arrests processed at Central Booking 4. City and Travis County have interlocal agreement (since 1983) to share duties, responsibilities, and costs at Central Booking 1 Background - Virtual Magistration Project Summer 2023: City of Austin & Travis County began renegotiating Central Booking Interlocal Agreement Costs: Previous annual cost: $6.9M County’s recommendation to move forward: $10.9M* New negotiated annual cost: $9.9M *This amount was updated on 1-11-24 to reflect the correct value Post-Arrest Process Reevaluation • City Issues: 1. Cost – while City’s cost will increase from $6.9M to $9.9M (FY23 to FY24), the percentage of APD arrests at Central Booking is decreasing (FY22 = 64.66%; FY23 = 61.2%) 2. Efficiency – in light of staffing shortages APD needs to minimize arresting officer time spent at Central Booking • Conclusion: evaluate feasibility of alternative post-arrest processes 5 What We Found APD can complete all of the same forms and processes required for the magistration process off-site from Central Booking Comparison of Processes Examples of forms and processes completed: Current TCSO Magistration Process APD Virtual Magistration Process PC Affidavit PC Affidavit Mental health pre-screening Mental health pre-screening Financial questionnaire Financial questionnaire PSRS Checklist PSRS Checklist Computerized Criminal History (CCH) Computerized Criminal History (CCH) TCSO Odyssey Review TCSO Odyssey Review No CAFA, but will in the future No CAFA, but will in the future Next Steps 1. Continued work on design of an alternative post-arrest process 2. Mock trial testing of alternative process (Q1 2024) 3. Ongoing legal review to ensure both state law compliance and protection of arrestee rights 4. Continuing dialogue with Travis Co. re current interlocal contract and potential future alternatives 7 Questions?
Austin Fire Department | Public Safety Commission Quarterly Report January 26, 2024 Public Safety Commission Austin Fire Department Quarterly Report FY24 Q1 Data Fire Operations Requests for Service Q1 Comparison - By Council District (All incidents, regardless of priority) 3,536 3,507 3,066 3,059 3,138 2,658 2,617 2,569 2,354 2,347 3,626 3,523 3,205 2,754 1,894 1,667 1,846 1,706 1,408 1,340 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 FY23 Q1 FY24 Q1 Requests for Service Q1 Comparison - By Call Type (All incidents, regardless of priority) 1725 1741 FY24 Q1 FY23 Q1 16603 102 147 5976 17944 118 184 7280 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Fire Medical Rescue HazMat Other This document was created by the Austin Fire Department Research & Data Analytics section. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Austin Fire Department | Public Safety Commission Quarterly Report January 26, 2024 Emergency Incidents Q1 Comparison - By Council District (Includes Priority 1, 2, 3, and 4M responses) 2500 2361 2059 2046 2187 2130 1745 1751 1645 1571 1510 1846 1706 1888 1893 1098 999 803 806 1048 981 District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 FY23 Q1 FY24 Q1 Emergency Incidents Q3 Comparison - By Call Type (Includes Priority 1, 2, 3, and 4M responses) 1594 1616 FY24 Q1 FY23Q1 14118 15191 94 138 284 172 112 279 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Fire Medical Rescue HazMat Other FY23 Q2 FY23 Q3 FY23 Q4 FY24 Q1 Response Time Response Time Response Time Incidents Incidents Incidents Incidents Response Time District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 10:28 10:49 10:31 10:09 10:01 11:06 10:18 11:16 08:58 10:49 2,158 1,864 2,027 1,702 1,601 1,077 1,791 835 1,798 939 10:22 10:58 10:39 10:00 09:51 11:16 10:17 10:48 08:46 10:43 2,136 1,742 1,968 1,667 1,550 971 1,638 750 1,891 898 10:23 11:03 10:26 10:33 09:56 01:14 10:10 11:11 08:52 10:39 2,311 1,796 2,138 1,736 1,547 1,034 1,745 805 2,083 1,009 10:31 11:10 10:08 10:16 9:48 11:03 10:12 10:52 8:52 10:30 2,361 2,046 2,187 1,751 1,571 1,098 1,846 803 1,888 …
Austin Fire Department | Public Safety Commission Quarterly Report January 26, 2024 Public Safety Commission Austin Fire Department Quarterly Report FY24 Q1 Data Fire Operations Requests for Service Q1 Comparison - By Council District (All incidents, regardless of priority) 3,536 3,507 3,066 3,059 3,138 2,658 2,617 2,569 2,354 2,347 3,626 3,523 3,205 2,754 1,894 1,667 1,846 1,706 1,408 1,340 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 FY23 Q1 FY24 Q1 Requests for Service Q1 Comparison - By Call Type (All incidents, regardless of priority) 1725 1741 FY24 Q1 FY23 Q1 16603 102 147 5976 17944 118 184 7280 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Fire Medical Rescue HazMat Other This document was created by the Austin Fire Department Research & Data Analytics section. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Austin Fire Department | Public Safety Commission Quarterly Report January 26, 2024 Emergency Incidents Q1 Comparison - By Council District (Includes Priority 1, 2, 3, and 4M responses) 2500 2361 2059 2046 2187 2130 1745 1751 1645 1571 1510 1846 1706 1888 1893 1098 999 803 806 1048 981 District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 FY23 Q1 FY24 Q1 Emergency Incidents Q3 Comparison - By Call Type (Includes Priority 1, 2, 3, and 4M responses) 1594 1616 FY24 Q1 FY23Q1 14118 15191 94 138 284 172 112 279 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Fire Medical Rescue HazMat Other FY23 Q2 FY23 Q3 FY23 Q4 FY24 Q1 Response Time Response Time Response Time Incidents Incidents Incidents Incidents Response Time District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 10:28 10:49 10:31 10:09 10:01 11:06 10:18 11:16 08:58 10:49 2,158 1,864 2,027 1,702 1,601 1,077 1,791 835 1,798 939 10:22 10:58 10:39 10:00 09:51 11:16 10:17 10:48 08:46 10:43 2,136 1,742 1,968 1,667 1,550 971 1,638 750 1,891 898 10:23 11:03 10:26 10:33 09:56 01:14 10:10 11:11 08:52 10:39 2,311 1,796 2,138 1,736 1,547 1,034 1,745 805 2,083 1,009 10:31 11:10 10:08 10:16 9:48 11:03 10:12 10:52 8:52 10:30 2,361 2,046 2,187 1,751 1,571 1,098 1,846 803 1,888 …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY January 8, 2024 The PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR CALLED MEETING on Monday, January 8, 2024 at City Hall Building, Boards and Commissions Rm, 301 W. 2nd Street, AUSTIN, TEXAS Chair Ramirez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 3:35pm. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Ramirez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt, Vice Chair Pierre Nguyen Kristy Orr Lauren Pena Paul Hermesmeyer Timothy Ruttan Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Yasmine Smith Absent: Commissioners Cory Hall-Martin and David Holmes PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: - None – speakers were later called with Item 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Chair Ramirez called for the approval of the minutes for December 4, 2023. The minutes from the meeting of December 4, 2023 were approved on Commissioner Nguyen’s motion, with Commissioner Pena second on a vote with Commissioner Smith abstaining and 6 voting for approval. Commissioners Holmes and Hall-Martin were absent. 2. Staff Briefings – none. 3. Public Safety Quarterly Report for Austin Police Department Speaker – Chief of Staff Jeff Greenwalt Chief Greenwalt acknowledged that at a previous meeting department representatives were asked to keep quarterly reports high-level, so the format of the presentation has changed to reflect this request. Chief Greenwalt reported the following stats in the presentation: Chair Ramirez opened the floor for questions. - Clarified that Q1 report is covering October-December (Chair Ramirez) - Request to color coordinate slides that have sector and districts for geographic clarity -Crimes against persons by offense type -Crimes against persons by APD sector -Crimes against persons by City Council district -Crimes against persons density (“hotspots”) -Crimes against property/society by offense type -Crimes against property/society by APD sector -Crimes against property/society by City Council district -Crimes against property/society by density (“hotspots”) -Citywide response times and call volume -Response times and incident volume by City Council district -Emergency and urgent call volume by month -Community engagement -Overtime budget vs. hours worked -Personnel budget vs. total expenditures -Cadet classes -Staffing levels -Patrol officer staffing and vacancies by area command moving forward (Commissioner Smith) 4. Discussion of 88th Special Texas Legislative Session and Impacts on Public Safety Speaker – Brie Franco, City Intergovernmental Relations Officer Four special sessions were covered in this presentation. A summary of information included is below: -2022 pre-filed legislation (HB 714, HB 880, HB 553, SB 130) -88TH regular session statistics -88th special sessions statistics -88th special sessions …
OCTOBER 2023 TOWN HALL ON PUBLIC SAFETY People With Disabilities and Policing 1 INTRODUCTION In 2020, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) launched an initiative to address the concerns of community members living with disabilities and their experience with policing in Austin, Texas. In collaboration with the Mayor's Office, the Equity Office, the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, and community advocates, OPO hosted two community events to learn more about the experiences that people with disabilities—both visible and invisible—have with the Austin Police Department (APD). The Office of Police Oversight developed recommendations based on community feedback to improve interactions between community members with disabilities and APD. BACKGROUND Thus far, the City of Austin's efforts to study the experiences that people with disabilities have with law enforcement have focused on the interactions between police and people living with mental health conditions. For example, the Office of the City Auditor published a report in 2018 analyzing the Austin Police Department's response to mental health-related calls for service. The report analyzed fatal police encounters in the fifteen most populated cities and found that APD had the highest per capita rate of fatal police shootings involving persons believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis. In 2022, consultants retained by the City of Austin released further research examining APD's use of force involving individuals with behavioral and mental health conditions. The consultants found that, between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020, APD officers used force against 9,041 individuals, 3,422 (38.7%) of whom were perceived by APD officers as "mentally impaired." Additionally, between 2017 and 2020, there was a 94% increase in the use of force experienced by community members who were perceived by APD officers as "mentally impaired," from 30.4% in 2017 to 46.0% in 2020. 2 GRAPH 1: PERCENTAGE OF INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING FORCE WHO WERE PERCEIVED TO BE MENTALLY IMPAIRED, BY YEAR. DATA SOURCE: KROLL ASSOCIATES. While this data highlights a critical issue, community members with disabilities have raised concerns about the narrow focus of this research and identified gaps in the findings. At the July 10, 2020, meeting of the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, multiple committee members voiced concerns regarding the negative experiences that people with disabilities often have with law enforcement. Committee members objected to the lack of data on people with disabilities beyond mental health. "So, it seems that equity doesn't include people with disabilities," said …
Austin Public Safety Wellness Center 517 S. Pleasant Valley Rd., Austin, TX 78741 (512)974-0200phone (512)974-0222fax 1 Can you provide an overview of the overall goal and mission of the Public Safety Wellness Center in Austin? The mission of the Wellness Center is to empower public safety workers to achieve lifelong wellness. The Wellness Center works to ensure that all first responders are prepared to best serve the citizens of Austin. The five pillars of the Wellness Fitness initiative that guide our program are Medical, Fitness, Rehabilitation, Behavioral Health and Data Collection. 2 What specific services does the Public Safety Wellness Center offer to members of the Austin Fire Department (AFD), Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS), and Austin Police Department (APD)? The Wellness Center offers medical exams, health interventions, vaccinations, fitness services, and occupational exams that help first responders return to work safely, prevent injuries, and physically prepare them for their job tasks. 3 How does the Public Safety Wellness Center address the unique mental health and wellness needs of first responders in Austin? The Wellness Center has two staff psychologists who provide behavioral health services to AFD and EMS. Both psychologists have a combined over 20 years of experience in working directly with first responders. Each agency also has a Peer Support team that works directly with the sworn members to provide support services. APD has a separate employee wellness program that encompasses their Behavioral health units, Victim Services and nutrition and fitness. Yearly behavioral health check ins are offered at the Wellness Center to AFD members during their annual exams. Our medical physician is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and is board certified in occupational medicine. Case management services are also offered to the agencies who opt to participate, this service helps to improve chronic conditions of members. 4 In what ways does the center collaborate with AFD, ATCEMS, and APD to ensure that the support provided aligns with the specific needs of each department? The Wellness Center has a Governing Board of six members, two from each public safety agency. The members from each agency consist of one union representative and one management representative. The Board meets quarterly to discuss Wellness operations and initiatives. Additionally, the Public Safety Administrator provides a monthly report of the clinic activities. There are also regular check-ins Austin Public Safety Wellness Center 517 S. Pleasant Valley Rd., Austin, TX 78741 (512)974-0200phone (512)974-0222fax between the …
TOWN HALL ON PUBLIC SAFETY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND POLICING BACKGROUND • In 2020, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) launched an initiative to address the concerns of community members living with disabilities and their experience with policing in Austin, Texas. • In collaboration with the Mayor's Office, the Equity Office, the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, and community advocates, OPO hosted two community events to learn more about the experiences that people with disabilities—both visible and invisible—have with the Austin Police Department (APD). • The Office of Police Oversight developed recommendations based on community feedback to improve interactions between community members with disabilities and APD. T I M E L I N E SEPTEMBER 27, 2021 OPO released the first Town Hall report JULY 10, 2020 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities meeting in which committee members voiced concerns regarding the negative experiences that people with disabilities often have with law enforcement. Committee members objected to the lack of data on people with disabilities beyond mental health. MAY 21, 2021 OPO hosted the first Town Hall on Public Safety: People with Disabilities and Policing, in collaboration with the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, the Mayor's Office, Equity Office. 42 community members attended virtually. JUNE 25, 2022 OPO hosted the second Town Hall on Public Safety: People with Disabilities and Policing, in collaboration with the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, the Mayor's Office, Equity Office. 75 community members attended this hybrid event. OCTOBER 9, 2023 OPO released the Final Town Hall report TOWN HALL I Facilitators asked community members to respond to the following questions: • Who are you, what motivated you to come to this event, and what do you need to best communicate in this space? • What is your experience with Austin police or law enforcement? • What would it look like for you to feel safe when interacting with law enforcement? • Can you identify ways that APD can improve your experience with police? • What would you like to see discussed at the next town hall meeting? Notetakers recorded responses from community members. During this event, OPO collected 196 responses from community members for analysis. The responses were aggregated and anonymized as qualitative data for analysis. “More Community engagement between APD and deaf community – regular opportunities or events where each side can get to know more of the other and what …
P u b l i c S a f e t y W e l l n e s s C e n t e r m i s s i o n : T o e m p o w e r p u b l i c s a f e t y w o r k e r s t o a c h i e v e l i f e l o n g w e l l n e s s . C o m b i n e d P u b l i c S a f e t y S t a f f : 15 full time positions (APD, EMS and AFD) • Four administrative members • Five medical team members: Two Physicians – one position currently vacant Three Registered Nurses • Two staff Psychologists • Four Exercise Physiologists 1 P u b l i c S a f e t y W e l l n e s s C l i n i c S e r v i c e s Medical Exams o Return to work (RTW) o Promotional and Annual physical exams o Hiring exams o Cardiovascular assessments o Case management – Chronic health conditions Behavioral Health Services Fitness Consultations, Individual and Group Training and Academy Physical Training Vaccinations o Hepatitis A & B series o Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) o Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDAP) o Flu (seasonal) 2 C l i n i c O u t p u t Clinic Exam Totals Medical exams include: • Vitals • Lab draw • Hearing test • Vision test • EKG for patients 40 and over, every 3 years • ASCVD score – cardiovascular risk assessment score 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 *COVID vaccines and services 3 FY19 FY20 FY21* FY22 FY23 Clinic Totals B e h a v i o r a l H e a l t h S e r v i c e s • Annual Behavioral Health Check-Ins during exams • Education and Trainings (Academies, Mental health topics to leadership, Motivational Interviewing) • Individual, couples and family counseling sessions (including dependent family members) • Post incident responses and on scene response when requested • Consultations for personnel issues or concerns • Weekly meetings with contracted psychiatrist and APD psychologists • Pre-employment psychological evaluations (EMS) and coordination for …
AUSTIN FIRE Public Safety Commission Meeting FY24 Q1 Chief of Staff Rob Vires 1 W i n t e r W e a t h e r i n J a n u a r y Saturday, January 13 through Wednesday, January 17, 2024 • Total Dispatched Medical Calls: 957 • Total Dispatched Fire Calls: 178 • Total Found Fires: 99 • Dispatched Box Structure Fires: 21 • Found Structure Fires: 9 5 single family or duplex and 4 multi-family dwellings 77.8% confined to the Room of Origin. • Dispatched Fire Alarms (including Midrise and High Rise): 770 • Dispatched Carbon Monoxide Alarms: 41 • Dispatched Broken Water Pipes: 141 • Fire Protection Systems impacted: 225 - About 155 cleared as of January 29, 2024 2 W i n t e r W e a t h e r P r e p a r a t i o n s • Rental generators began arriving in early December. They will stay for several months and be available for severe weather. Building Services will provide a power manifold, which will allow AFD to power some things in the stations via extension cords or relocating. • All frontline fire apparatus, brush trucks, and Battalion Chief trucks have a set of tire chains and all members have received communication on proper tire chain operation. 3 T e x t t o 9 1 1 • The Current system allows users of 911 system to exchange text messages with AFD dispatchers. • The current system is scheduled to change with the implementation of new 911 software. No date has been established at this time. • Representatives of the future system, Text to 911, have indicated that it their system include a multimedia service. • CAPCOG is the lead in implementation of the new 911 software. 4 N e w F i r e S t a t i o n 5 3 a t G o o d n i g h t R a n c h Located in Council District 2 and will be a shared facility with ATCEMS Medic 42. Opening soon! • New Engine 53 went into service January 28 operating out of Station 24. • New Station 53 set to open around February 11 with an Engine and Brush Truck. Improvements and features in the new station: • 15,000+ sq ft with 4 pull-through bays, 15 …
Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers January 8, 2024 - Regular Meeting Item 4. 88th Legislative Session & Special Sessions Update – Intergovernmental Relations Office See Exhibit A below Item 3. Public Safety Quarterly Report - Austin Fire Department February 5, 2024 - Regular Meeting 1) Is there a typo on Slide 19, regarding the number of Hispanic or Latino Applicants in the Hiring Process Demographics chart? Yes. We apologize for the error on this slide. The corrected percentages should be: American Indian/Alaskan Native: 3% Asian: 3% Black or African American: 5% Hispanic or Latino: 28% ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ White: 47% ◦ ◦ Two or more races: 11% Choose Not to Disclose: 3% 2) Is there an update on Wildfire outreach to different language groups and homeowners without HOAs, particularly in the east side? Have there been any changes or process on approaching these homeowners or renters who may not have the ability to make those changes? One noteworthy development is the assignment of a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist to Outreach and Education, with a particular emphasis on assisting underserved communities and populations at risk from wildfires. This dedicated role underscores our commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that vulnerable groups receive the support and resources they need. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are actively engaged in updating our Community Wildfire Protection Plan. This update will prominently feature a robust component focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, providing a clear roadmap for engaging and protecting vulnerable populations. Additionally, we are collaborating with UT graduate students on research initiatives aimed at evaluating the equitability of our wildfire programs. In a bid to maximize our outreach, we have established partnerships with community groups to distribute Wildfire Preparedness literature specifically tailored to vulnerable populations. This collaborative approach strengthens our connection with the communities we serve, ensuring that vital information reaches those who need it the most. Where communities do not have an organizing structure like an HOA we are limited to working with individual community members Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers I am also pleased to share that our wildfire vulnerability mapping approach, pioneered in Austin, has been successfully integrated into the national model. https://headwaterseconomics.org/wildfire/homes-risk/austin-wildfire-population-risk/ PENDING QUESTIONS: February 5, 2024 Item 4. Policing and Disabilities – Austin Police Department - Data 1) Would like additional information from the planning and research department on data that is available around …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, February 5, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 5, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, February 5, 2024, at City Hall Building, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Cory Hall-Martin Bernard Hermesmeyer David Holmes Lauren Peña Timothy Ruttan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Pierre Nguyễn Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on January 8, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 01/08/2024, were approved on Commissioner Peña’s motion, Commissioner Hermesmeyer’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Nguyễn was off the dais. Commissioners Bernhardt and Orr were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 2024 meeting. Discussion on edit to APD’s Virtual Magistration Pilot Program presented at January 8, Chair Ramírez explained that Chief Greenwalt updated the APD Virtual Magistration Pilot Program slide deck on page 3 to reflect a correction on Travis County’s proposal for the new annual Interlocal Agreement to read $10.9 million. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire Department 1. 3. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Presentation was made by Chief Rob Vires, Austin Fire Department. Commissioner Ruttan asked for clarification on AFD Recruiting’s demographic numbers on slide 19. Discussion of policing and disabilities with the Office of Police Oversight, Austin Police Monday, February 5, 2024 4. Department. Presentation was made by Lindsay Southard, Community Engagement Specialist and Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Manager, Office of Police Oversight, and Brienz Edwards, Training Specialist, APD Training Academy. Chair Ramírez requested data on police encounters. Commissioner Holmes seconded request for data specifically around the percentage of individuals experiencing force who were perceived to be mentally impaired. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion of Public Safety Wellness Center and potential formation of working group. (Sponsors: Commissioners Nguyễn & Peña) Presentation was made by Heather Arispe, Public Safety Wellness Administrator, Department. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to establish the needs of the Public Safety Wellness Center and potentially form recommendations was approved on Commissioner Nguyễn’s motion, Commissioner Peña’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bernhardt and Orr were absent. Commissioners Nguyễn, Peña, Holmes and Ruttan volunteered to join the working group with Chair …
REGULAR MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 8, 2024 at 3:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Boards and Commission Room #1101 301 WEST 2nd STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Public Safety Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Janet Jackson, (512) 974-5747, or Janet.jackson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt, Vice Chair David Holmes Paul Hermesmeyer Cory Hall-Martin Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Lauren Peña Timothy Ruttan Yasmine Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL (from speakers signed up to speak) The first three 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 CALLED MEETING on December 4, 2023. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Briefing to provide follow up responses to questions presented at December 4, 2023 meeting regarding items 3, 4 & 5 on the EMS quarterly report, Office of Police Oversight, and Sobering Center. DISCUSSION 3. Public Safety Quarterly Report – Austin Police Department (Sponsors: Commissioners Ramírez and Bernhardt) 4. Discussion of 88th & Special Texas Legislative sessions and impacts on public safety departments with the Intergovernmental Relations Office (Sponsors: Commissioners Bernhardt & Ramírez) ACTION ITEM 5. Discussion and action on Virtual Magistration Pilot Program with Austin Police Department, Travis County Court System, and Travis County Public Defender’s Office (Sponsors: Commissioners Bernhardt & Ramírez) 6. Discussion and potential formation of Budget Recommendations Working Group (Sponsors: Commissioners Ramírez & Peña) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Janet Jackson, Austin Police Department, at 512-974-547, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay …
