Austin Police Alter Protocol Amid Coronavirus

AUSTIN, TX — The Austin Police Department is implementing changes to its normal protocols in light of the growing new coronavirus threat — including directing residents to a portal for non-emergencies, relaxing enforcement of some traffic violations, suspension of fingerprinting and other measures.

"These changes are intended to operationalize the best practices put forth by the Centers for Disease Control to mitigate the disease impact while still maintaining our public safety responsibilities," police said in a prepared statement. "It is important to note that we are not amending our response to critical calls where life or safety is jeopardized. We will continue to monitor these changes and update them as necessary."

Among the temporary changes:

• There will be no change to the department's most serious calls for service where life and property is at immediate risk, police assured. For lower priority calls, the police department will increase its use of online or over-the-phone reporting. The Austin Police Department will no longer send an officer/civilian to calls that can be addressed through online or phone reporting, police said, including property crime technicians.
• For those wanting/needing to make an online report, utilize the city website accessible by clicking here.
• The police department will continue traffic enforcement for hazardous violations, police said. Enforcement for non-hazardous violations is at the officer’s discretion, but generally discouraged.
• The Austin Police Department has secured the lobby at its headquarters and restricted access at sub-stations to prevent unnecessary contact. Phones will be provided for those visiting, and admission to the facility will be allowed for those with a need.
• Police also will amend the sex offender check-in operations. Offenders who are newly released to our community will still be processed and registered so we have their information in the system, police assured. Currently, registered offenders who come to police headquarters to conduct their check-in will confirm that the information n file is still accurate before being instructed to call and make an appointment to return at a later date for in-person processing.
• Police also are suspending in-person report sales. For those needing to obtain a copy of a report, please follow the instructions found by clicking here.
• Public fingerprinting services are being suspeded.

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