AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk outlined his plans Wednesday for implementing reforms to begin addressing systemic inequities in the Austin Police Department.
In a memo to City Council members, Cronk announced a series of initial actions he's taking, based on Council's unanimous votes to pass several reforms last week.
"I recognize that we must be deliberate and intentional in breaking down the systemic and institutional barriers in Austin," Cronk said in the memo. "This is not just a law enforcement issue. This is a public health issue. This is a social services issue. This is an economic and housing issue. And this is very much an issue of trust and accountability. This proposal aims to tackle the root causes of these issues holistically, starting with re-imagining what public safety means in Austin."
Cronk's memo outlines several key changes that will be reflected in the proposed budget for fiscal year 2021, resulting in the elimination of nearly 100 sworn positions from the initial budget forecast and delaying the July 2020 cadet class. The proposed budget will also outline several functions that have traditionally been a part of APD, but which "could be re-imagined elsewhere." Some of the examples Cronk points out include the Forensics lab, 9-1-1 Dispatch, victim services, the training academy, and others.
"Our budget is a reflection of our collective priorities and we have made progress over the last few years in increasing the portion of the City budget dedicated to public health and social services," Cronk said. "In order to fully realize the promise of a new vision of public safety, however, we must rethink how we task and resource our staff and programs. Next month, I will bring forward a proposed budget for the Council’s consideration that is guided by not only Council’s recent direction, but also the spirit of the conversations occurring in our community."
The plan also calls for creating Advisory Working Groups to develop recommendations for the so-called "re-imagining" of public safety that Council members have called for. Those groups will include representatives from advocacy, faith, public safety, and business and community organizations as well as city staff from a variety of disciplines. The groups will work closely with city boards and commissions, including the Council’s newly formed Public Safety Committee.
"This is a complex and multi-faceted challenge that we must tackle head-on. Fortunately, this City has some very creative, passionate, and innovative people – both on staff and in the community – and I trust that, working together, we can bring about the change we all know is so badly needed," Cronk said.
Cronk's plan also calls for taking steps to strengthen existing transparency and accountability systems. Some of the steps outlined include launching a public dashboard to track progress, increasing the resources and authority of the Office of Police Oversight, seating the Community Police Review Commission this summer, and creating a Civil Rights division.
"Trust is essential in accomplishing our shared goals," Cronk said. "The community is demanding greater accountability. Now, more than ever, we are committed to providing the transparency necessary to rebuild and strengthen trust with our residents and achieve an Austin that provides all people with the dignity, respect, and opportunity they deserve."
Cronk is expected to brief the Council's Public Safety Committee at its inaugural meeting Thursday.