From the cover
Police deal in focus
Put in perspective
The setup
Cadet classes
Police recruitment efforts haven’t kept pace with Austin’s vacancies for years, according to APD data. Since the cadet academy reopened in early 2021, it’s graduated more than 300 officers, while about one-third of cadets ended up leaving. “Our last couple of hiring classes under the out- of-contract status have been pretty dismal as far as numbers go,” Griffin said. Departures from APD have slightly outpaced hiring since 2021, including some exits by new offi- cers soon after joining the force. But APA President Michael Bullock said he’s not concerned about current academy attrition rates, noting the police force may also be contending with “generational differences” among new recruits in addition to the many departures that can take place due to rea- sons like high physical and academic standards. “Sometimes the realities of the job just hit peo- ple to where, once they’re already in the academy, they realize, ‘Hey this is not for me,’” he said.
Labor negotiations restarted in March, and a tentative deal was reached in September. Council’s vote is expected Oct. 24, after press time, followed by the APA’s. The process is playing out under a state system for public safety labor agreements, which Austin voters opted into in the 1940s. Stopgap pay and benefit packages have been used since last year without a contract. The new deal includes provisions for modernized recruit testing, mentorship programs, patrol and night shift incentives, and annual raises. Chief Labor Relations Officer Sarah Griffin said the contract will help Austin stay competitive given its vacancy “crisis” and the city’s lowered statewide police pay rankings.
Graduated/currently enrolled
Left academy
January 2022: 144th class
66
34
November 2022: 145th and 146th classes*
63
29
May 2023: 147th class
33
22
September 2023: 148th class
19
15
January 2024: 149th class
25 9
April 2024: 151st class
39 10
September 2024: 152nd class
54
25
March 2025: 153rd class**
39
22
Short-staffed Officials have said the stability of a police contract may reverse declining staffing levels.
SOURCE: AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT *INCLUDES MODIFIED CLASS OF EXPERIENCED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS; EIGHT OF EIGHT GRADUATED. **IN PROGRESS
Austin was more than 350 sworn officers short in September 2024.
90%
The context
85%
80%
Police Chief Lisa Davis, who started on the job in September, told elected officials that aspects of a contract such as supporting patrol operations can make a “huge difference” for police workloads and keeping experienced officers on the streets. Some community groups continue to call for alternative public safety responses outside of APD. Council member Alison Alter pointed to city diversion and violence intervention programs as other options beyond simply staffing up.
Public safety concerns around town have also drawn attention to the contract. Members of Austin’s business community, downtown property owners and residents have recently called on offi- cials in various forums to respond to their worries by supporting a labor deal to improve staffing. “Providing the right resources and support will continue to inspire and motivate others,” said Rob- ert Clark, executive director of law enforcement advocate Central Texas Public Safety Commission.
75%
0%
Fiscal year fourth quarter
SOURCE: AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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