Law enforcement officials said they will continue to adjust aspects of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s ongoing deployment in Austin, while several city officials shared concerns about disproportionate arrests and traffic stops of minority residents through the program’s first month.
What’s happening?
A partnership between the DPS and the Austin Police Department aimed at crime reduction and traffic enforcement began in late March. City and police leaders said the initiative is needed to support the short-staffed police department, and state troopers have primarily been patrolling some high-crash roadways and parts of Austin where police said most emergency 911 calls come from.