New Community Engagement Center Aims to Deter Crime, Improve Public Safety Perception

A new public safety community engagement center opened Thursday in Northwest Austin, aimed at deterring crime and improving the perception of public safety in the area. The center, a trailer parked at 10800 Pecan Park Blvd., will provide a visible law enforcement presence and a place for officers to take breaks and write reports.

Austin City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly spearheaded the opening in response to constituents' concerns about crime in District 6. Kelly said:

"This will significantly enhance (officers') efficiency and effectiveness in serving and protecting our community...It will provide a physical, visible presence, ensuring timely responses to any security concerns in our district...The center will help build closer relationships between the Police Department and residents, fostering additional trust and collaboration."

Kelly and Austin Police Department Chief of Staff Jeff Greenwalt attributed longer response times and rising vacancies within the department as catalysts for the center. As of Thursday, there were 342 vacant sworn officer positions.

The center is located in Williamson County, on the border of Travis and Williamson counties, and will be available to Austin police officers and Williamson County sheriff's deputies. Greenwalt said:

"The new center will help reduce crime and response times by ensuring a consistent law enforcement presence in the region...The nearest substation is quite a distance, about 10 to 30 minutes away, so this will make a big difference."

The center is unique in the city, though similar trailers have been used as temporary substations in the past. Greenwalt emphasized that while officers may not always be present, depending on their duties, the center is always open to them.

With a focus on deterring crime and improving community perceptions, Greenwalt added:

"We can say crime is low, but if people still fear crime, that's important too. They'll see us here, and they'll know we're present."

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