Austin Police Association

Today marks 3 months since the shooting on W 6th St.

This past Thursday, we had the opportunity to honor the actions of all of public safety as well as remember the lives of those that were lost.

Public safety professionals don’t seek recognition. Most will simply say they were doing their job.

But recognizing their action matters. It remind us why these men and women choose to serve, why they answer the call when others run from danger, and why they stand in the gap for people they may never meet again.

The reality of this work is heavy. It means witnessing tragedy and carrying the weight of lives lost. We should never become numb to that—one life lost to violence is one too many.

At the same time, we must recognize what was accomplished. Lives were protected and saved because first responders acted without hesitation. Officers ran toward the threat. Firefighters and medics moved into chaos to provide aid. Dispatchers, supervisors, investigators, Victim Services counselors, and support personnel each played a critical role when every second mattered.

This event was where we honored that service, that sacrifice, and the unwavering commitment to protect our community.

Today is a day to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country — not for any one person, but for a set of ideals, liberties, and a way of life. For the spirit and ethos that make this the greatest country on earth.

Our challenge is to never forget those sacrifices.

At APD, that legacy is carried on in many ways, but today we wanted to highlight one.

APD K9 Haley is named in memory of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Cody Haley, who died on August 4, 2017. Lance Cpl. Haley served with the 1st Marine Division and deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in March 2016.

K9 Haley’s partner at APD, served alongside Lance Cpl. Haley in the Marines. Naming K9 Haley after Cody was one small way for our department to ensure his sacrifice is never forgotten.

As we reflect on this Memorial Day, may we always remember those who gave everything for our nation.

Austin spent part of this weekend sheltering in place while armed suspects connected to a random shooting spree moved through South Austin in stolen vehicles.

Families stayed inside praying they wouldn’t become the next victim.

APD launched one of the largest mobilizations in recent memory to stop the violence. But here’s the part everyone should pay attention to:

The suspect vehicle was ultimately located because Manor Police Department had license plate readers.

Austin doesn’t anymore.

This is no longer a theoretical debate about technology or politics. This is about whether officers have the tools to find violent suspects BEFORE more people get hurt.

License plate readers helped locate a stolen vehicle tied to an active violent crime spree. They did not replace probable cause. They did not replace constitutional rights. They provided a lead that helped officers move faster while lives were at risk.

Austin residents deserve both public safety AND constitutional protections.

The real question is this:

Should officers be forced to fight violent crime blindfolded while other cities use modern tools to protect their communities?

Read the full article below.

Austin Needs Safeguards, Not Blindfolds Let’s talk about license plate readers.