(Texas Scorecard) – The City of Austin and the Austin Police Association have finally reached tentative accords to combat rising crime rates and officer staff shortages.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson explained that the agreement will help ensure community oversight and relieve police officer staffing shortages by helping them afford to live in the city they serve.
“For too long, Austin was stuck in a contentious stalemate over police and policing. I greatly appreciate that APA President Michael Bullock came into office this year willing to talk,” Watson posted in a statement on X. “And I’m thankful for the work of the city manager’s office in keeping a focus on turning a corner on the relationship.”
According to KXAN, many steps remain before the agreement can be solidified. For example, the language of the contract needs to be finalized by the city so it can be published this upcoming Thursday. Additionally, the police association membership reportedly needs to give a final review of the contract.
One of the effects of the tentative contract is that it will allocate over $217 million for police officer pay increases over the next five years.
“This Tentative Agreement includes meaningful investments in officer pay and benefits that will be invaluable as we seek to recruit and retain the best law enforcement officers in the country,” said Police Chief Lisa Davis.
“I am proud to be serving in a City that values and prioritizes public safety, and not only believes in but is also committed to transparency and community engagement,” Davis continued.
The agreement follows months of rising crime rates and inefficiencies—chiefly, lack of police personnel. In early 2024, Watson expressed the critical need for a contract with the Austin Police Association to reverse crime rates.
Late last year, Austin residents felt the effects of the “Defund the Police” movement as the city realized it was hundreds of officers short, and crime surged. It was named the city with the 15th highest homicide rate in the entire country.