Austin police response times to 911 calls increased sharply, averaging over 45 minutes last year, up from 29 minutes in 2019. The department consistently failed to meet its goal of 10 minutes and 44 seconds for high-priority calls, largely due to staffing shortages with 230 officers short. Despite recent improvements, lower-priority calls continue to prolong average response times. In 2023, the department noted progress in staffing the 911 call center, reducing vacant positions from 40% to just 10 as of June, contributing to a response time of 12 minutes and 45 seconds for high-priority calls in 2024.
Austin police officers took an average of just over 45 minutes to respond to 911 calls last year, with response times increasing from 29 minutes in 2019 to nearly 47 minutes in 2023.
APD has consistently missed its goal of having an average response time of 10 minutes and 44 seconds for high-priority calls, partly due to a staffing shortage.
The department is currently 230 officers short of a full patrol staff, significantly impacting response times over the past five years.
As of June 2023, APD's call-taker positions saw a vacancy reduction from 40% to just 10 vacancies, indicating progress in staffing the 911 call center.
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