Page 1 of 1

Transforming Public Safety

Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2020 6:33 pm
by Nicole Golden
On behalf of CM Tovo:

Colleagues,

I want to express appreciation to those of you who have brought forward proposals to transform public safety in Austin. As I have said publicly, I stand in solidarity with community members calling for change. I applaud the creativity and innovation of the proposals before us and support many of the items in these amendments, including but not limited to shifting the forensics department, internal affairs, and 911 communications. I’ve also signed on as a co-sponsor on the creation of the Office of Violence Prevention and the proposal to increase ambulances and staff for EMS, and I appreciate CM Alter’s leadership on both of those initiatives.

I’m honored to be part of a Council that is committed to achieving the change that this moment in history demands of us. I am also excited about the development of the City - Community Reimagining Task Force and eagerly anticipate acting in partnership with their work.

The Sobering Center and Homelessness Outreach Street Team (HOST) – programs I led into creation– required an innovative approach to divert individuals from interaction with the criminal justice system. As we work toward reimagining our public safety model, I am applying that same lens and stand committed to the transformative work ahead.

Thanks again for bringing forward these proposals, and thanks to the black-led advocacy organizations who are leading this work.

Best,

Kathie Tovo