The City of Austin's decision to halt its collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it's a concession to anti-police activism. This follows criticism of the partnership from Chas Moore, leader of the Austin Justice Coalition, a group known for its anti-police stance and ties to organizations funded by George Soros.
The suspension comes after two incidents involving DPS troopers. One involved a trooper allegedly drawing a weapon during a traffic stop involving a father and his 10-year-old son. DPS disputes the account and plans to release bodycam footage. The other incident involved a high-speed chase and a trooper shooting a suspect, later identified as a gang member with outstanding warrants.
An Austin Police Department officer on patrol. (Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Austin Public Safety Commission recently recommended increased oversight of the DPS-APD partnership. This partnership began in March due to rising crime following APD budget cuts in 2020, which resulted in officer departures and canceled academy classes. While the partnership was briefly paused, it was reinstated earlier this month.
Mayor Kirk Watson had previously praised the partnership's effectiveness in reducing crime and improving response times. However, he cited "recent events" as the reason for the suspension. The decision seemingly came as a surprise to Police Chief Joseph Chacon, who stated he was given short notice. Austin currently faces a significant police officer shortage, with approximately 500 vacancies.
FILE: Texas DPS trooper exiting vehicle. (Texas DPS)
Several city council members have openly advocated for ending the partnership, citing the incidents involving DPS troopers. This suspension has drawn sharp criticism from those who believe the city is bowing to pressure from anti-police activists. The Austin Police Association condemned the decision, arguing it prioritizes sensationalized news over officer well-being and public safety. Other critics, including an attorney and a bipartisan group, echoed these concerns, highlighting the potential negative impact on public safety due to the ongoing officer shortage.
