Austin Suspends Partnership with Texas DPS Amid Concerns Over Public Safety

The city of Austin has suspended its partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) due to recent events that were not specified. The partnership, which aimed to address staffing shortages in the Austin Police Department (APD), had led to a decrease in violent and gun crime, shorter response times, and drug seizures. Austin's interim city manager and mayor expressed the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community, stating that any solution must align with Austin's values. The decision comes as the city faces staffing challenges and a lack of officers to police the city independently.