The Austin Police Department (APD) will soon start releasing a monthly report that includes number of arrests, instances of use of force, officer staffing, and overtime use.
Currently known only as the APD Open Policing Data Release, the monthly release was requested by Austin City Councilmember Chito Vela, and was approved on Sept. 14.
“What we’re doing today is bringing national best practices to Austin,” Vela said at the council meeting, adding that similar data are released monthly by law enforcement in Seattle and San Antonio.
Any personally identifiable information will be removed from the data releases, Vela said.
Vela said his request was inspired by community members who complained about not having a simple compilation of data.
With input from APD, Vela said the data releases will include:
• The number of monthly calls for police service, including type of incident, time received, location, and police response. Information for mental health service calls will also be included.
• The outcomes of arrests, searches, use of force, and complaints against officers.
• The number of APD employees, including their ranks, monthly activities, hours worked, and use of overtime.
• Data about cadet training, retirements, and other separations from APD.
Interim City Manager Jesús Garza said city staff will give the council an update on the program’s implementation by mid-December. Vela said he hopes to release the first data report on March 1, 2024.
“We believe that making data accessible to our community will empower them and foster a more transparent relationship,” said Brandon Jones, APD communications manager. “We will rely heavily on feedback, research, and keeping up with emerging technology. Our goal is to make the data accessible, meaningful, and user-friendly to drive positive change.”