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by: Russell Falcon, KXAN employees
Posted: 06/12/2021 / 10:54 PM CDT
Updated: 6/12/2021 / 10:54 PM CDT
AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Austin Police Department’s staff shortage comes under scrutiny after a Saturday morning mass shooting on East 6th Street left 14 people with injuries hospitalized.
Mass shooting in Austin: 1 suspect in custody, another still at large in attack on 6th Street
When gunfire rang out just before 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, chaos broke out at 400 E. 6th Street near Trinity Street as partygoers dispersed and APD officials reacted. The quick response from officers nearby – although a heavy police presence on 6th Street is common – sparked debate among the Austinites.
During the briefings on Saturday, interim police chief Joseph Chacon praised his department for the quick use of first aid and tourniquets to help victims, as well as some police officers driving victims away in patrol cars.
‘We need more units!’ Police audio underscores the APD’s response to mass shootings
However, he said the full occupation of the downtown area will be more difficult with a limited number of officials and the size of the crowds returning to the area after the pandemic.
“I was talking about the staff shortage we have at the Austin Police Department – that makes it difficult. I’m just telling you this – it makes it very difficult for us to continue working at these levels even if we offer our officers overtime, ”Chacon said.
The shortage of police officers in Austin shrinks the 14 APD departments
To fill in the loopholes for at least this weekend, Chacon sought help from the Texas Department of Public Safety to assist with downtown safety Saturday night. But he also wants people to be attentive.
“Overall, we remain a safe city. And I think that’s what people should keep in mind. But also remember, when you get to the city center you need to be safety conscious. Travel in groups whenever possible. Be vigilant about your surroundings and those around you. And most importantly, if you plan to drink, plan to come home, ”said Chacon.
East 6th Street in the afternoon following an early Saturday morning mass shooting (KXAN Photo / Clare O’Connor)
6th Street was still full of people on Saturday night.
“I’m not comfortable with that, but every day in the US is dangerous. So we’re not going to hide on his birthday, ”said Farrah Elbaz, who visited 6th Street on Saturday night. “We are vaccinated; we are healthy. We’re going to celebrate, but it’s scary and it’s scary here every day. “
“Surreal”: Witnesses to mass shootings on 6th Street describe the moment when shots were fired in downtown Austin
The Austin Police Association said officers had to be brought in from other sectors of the city to cover downtown. Additionally, Chacon said overtime officers are used to cover shifts and occupy the entertainment district, but it can be costly.
In April, KXAN investigators reported that APD had already paid nearly $ 5 million in overtime for this fiscal year. That’s almost 140% of their OT budget – and that’s just six months into the fiscal year.
MORE: 138% of the Austin Police’s overtime budget was already spent halfway through the fiscal year
A redesigned Austin Police Cadet Academy resumed just this week, but these cadets cannot serve until next year at the earliest. Closing is not before the end of January.
First new Austin Police Academy restarted in 15 months
APD currently has 140 vacancies, according to the Greater Austin Crime Commission. That’s in addition to the 150 downsizing last year.
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