AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The Texas Department of Public Safety will suspend its partnership with the Austin Police Department this weekend, with troopers being re-deployed to the Texas-Mexico border.
The move comes as Title 42 policies expired earlier this week. According to an email message from APD Chief Joseph Chacon, DPS troopers are being heavily deployed in border cities.
"It is unknown at this time when [DPS] will be able to reengage in the partnership with APD, but it will not be for several weeks at least," said Chacon.
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The partnership between the two agencies, dubbed the Austin Violent Crimes Task Force, began on March 30 as a way to help APD with its 300 vacancies.
APD statistics have shown a "significant decrease in violent crime, response times, and calls for service" in the areas where DPS troopers have been supplementing APD officers on patrols. Violent crime in hot spot areas dropped by 58%, according to data from the department.
Despite the benefits, some council members and community advocates have called for changes to the partnership, saying it is unfairly targeting communities of color. DPS and APD, at a council briefing earlier this month, said they would make some adjustments to eliminate any "unintended" consequences.
"I'd like to take this moment to thank DPS for the work they have done to assist in keeping our community safe," Chacon said. "I will keep you informed on when we anticipate their return as I am made aware."