That probably won't be the chant of the political right-wing by the next election in 2022. Defunding the Police was never about taking monies away from necessary police staffing. Defunding the Police was about changing the structure of LAW ENFORCEMENT.
There is change occurring, but, it isn't about funding shortages, it is about staffing shortages. That staffing shortage is now taking shape to bring
September 26, 2021By Tony Plohetski
Austin Police Department officials (click here) are finalizing plans to dispatch civilians instead of police officers to certain types of calls that do not involve emergencies as a way to maximize patrol staffing and respond to reformers' demands for change.
Interim Police Chief Joe Chacon hinted at his plan Wednesday during an announcement that he would step into the job permanently, pending City Council confirmation Thursday.
On Friday, the department released more information about the plan, which is likely to be announced this week.
"The Austin Police Department regularly reviews response policies and procedures to ensure APD prioritizes calls with an immediate threat to life or property over non-emergency calls for service," the department said in a statement. "As a result of a recent review ... recent staffing challenges and aligning with the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force patrol response recommendations, APD will change call routing and response for non-emergency calls for service effective Oct. 1."...
