Austin police weigh dispatching civilians, not officers to some non-emergency calls (TX)

by | Sep 26, 2021 | Comm Center News

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Austin Police Department officials are finalizing plans to dispatch civilians instead of police officers to certain types of calls that do not involve emergencies as a way to maximize patrol staffing and respond to reformers’ demands for change.

Interim Police Chief Joe Chacon hinted at his plan Wednesday during an announcement that he would step into the job permanently, pending City Council confirmation Thursday.

On Friday, the department released more information about the plan, which is likely to be announced this week.

“The Austin Police Department regularly reviews response policies and procedures to ensure APD prioritizes calls with an immediate threat to life or property over non-emergency calls for service,” the department said in a statement. “As a result of a recent review … recent staffing challenges and aligning with the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force patrol response recommendations, APD will change call routing and response for non-emergency calls for service effective Oct. 1…