APD is gaining more officers than it's losing for the first time in 5 years
It's a challenging time for APD as the department continues to work without a contract and struggles with too few officers on the streets.
"With this class, we're still short 300 officers and recruiting is a big deal. I think getting a contract in place and having a new police chief and having a new city manager, all those things will add to boosting morale and moving forward," said Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis.
Rosalie Callejas had her police badge pinned on by her daughter during Friday's ceremony at Bannockburn Church in Southwest Austin. She says having female leadership at APD made the decision to become an officer easier.
"Just knowing that we're having a new chief come in who's also a female is kind of reassuring," said Callejas.
APD has revamped its 32-week training program for new officers in recent years. The goal was to find a better balance between warrior and guardian-style training. Friday's graduates say they see the difference.
"It was definitely a good mixture of the boot camp style and a heavy focus on academics," said Callejas.
So far in 2024, APD has graduated 117 officers. The department has also lost 80 officers to resignations and retirements. But gaining more than APD is losing is a welcome change.
"We're actually going to be ending the year with more officers than we started with, and I think it's going to be the first time in about four to five years that has happened," said Former Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson.
APD also supports the hiring of Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia as Austin's Assistant City Manager. He will be working with new city manager T.C. Broadnax.
"To have someone who already has a good working background with T.C. Broadnax and to bring that knowledge of policing. I mean he's an expert who has been police chief of two major cities and he's coming here, I think we're fortunate to have him. I look forward to working with him," said Davis.
APD is currently for the police training academy. The current pay schedule has cadets earning an annual salary of $65,411 at graduation. The new police contract is expected to include higher pay and bonuses for Austin officers.
