AUSTIN, Texas - Austin now has a Police Reserve Force. On Thursday, the City Council approved 14 members to be the first licensed peace officers in the unit.
APD has faced a shortage of police officers for several years.
It has prompted the city to try different methods to ensure there are enough officers on the streets. That included a controversial partnership with Texas DPS that has since ended.
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Resolution hopes to improve APD transparency
Amid growing concerns that Austin police are being overwhelmed due to ongoing staffing shortages, a new resolution from the Austin City Council hopes to make the department's statistics available to the public. Council member Chito Vela joins FOX 7's Mike Warren to discuss.
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The Police Reserve Force can have up to 75 officers.
Interim police chief Robin Henderson may call them in at any time when they're needed to supplement the regular force.