Austin Police Cut Ties with Texas Department of Public Safety

The Austin Police Department has suspended its partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety due to concerns over recent events, according to the city's interim manager. The program, aimed at addressing staffing shortages and improving emergency response times, has faced criticism after a state trooper pointed a gun at a 10-year-old during a traffic stop and another officer shot a man after a car chase. The city wants to ensure that any solution maintains community trust and that all law enforcement officers are aligned on policing practices. The partnership, which began in March, has been credited with reducing crime and improving response times.