AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The Austin Police Association is calling for delaying a vote the Austin City Council is scheduled to take up on Thursday that could potentially "defund" the Austin Police Department.
Citing what it calls "the greatest moment of unrest in recent City history," the union says the items on the agenda - particularly items 95 and 96 - could cut over 190 police positions from the next City budget, creating what the union says would be "an additional public safety crisis in the midst of the one we are experiencing right now."
Some on the Council and activists alike have called for reallocating as much as $100 million from the department's $400 million budget.
Item 95 on Thursday's Council agenda calls for several reforms to police policies and procedures, including the banning of tear gas and chokeholds, changes to the use of deadly force, reducing military-grade equipment, and ending no-knock warrants. It also calls for a delay to the upcoming cadet class.
Item 96 calls for potential cuts to the APD budget.
Earlier on Monday, City Council members held a press conference outlining the proposed reforms on Thursday's agenda.
"We are eager to discuss our procedures and ensure the most effective methods of de-escalation and empathetic policing. That conversation is critical. But the consequences of quickly defunding our department, reversing a multi-years agreed-upon plan with the City to meet the needs of our growing area, would significantly lessen patrols in every neighborhood, including our marginalized communities, and reduce our ability to handle local child abuse, sex crime, domestic violence, and robbery/aggravated assault caseloads."
APA is calling on council to delay action on Thursday. "These big issues require a big conversation and the citizens of Austin need more than three business days to fully consider the impacts and consequences of these measures as well as several others that will improve our procedures to ensure a safer community of compassion and understanding."