GOV. ABBOTT SENDS IN THE CAVALRY

DPS makes dozens of arrests in first week of partnership with APD

Troopers made 52 felony and 31 misdemeanor arrests in Austin from March 30 to April 3, seized 174 grams of cocaine, 40 grams of heroin and wrote 765 tickets. 

 

 

KVUE

April 4, 2023

 

 

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety made 52 felony and 31 misdemeanor arrests in Austin from March 30 to April 3, seized 174 grams of cocaine, 40 grams of heroin and wrote 765 tickets, according to new data.

The numbers provide a snapshot into the controversial partnership between the Austin Police Department and DPS that was announced last month.

Since March 30, DPS has made 1,570 traffic stops and conducted 15 crash investigations. Troopers have also recovered six stolen vehicles and seized 127,415 grams of methamphetamine and 11 firearms, according to new data.

DPS also said it helped stop three "large-scale street takeover events across the city" over the weekend.

The partnership between APD and DPS comes amid what officials say is an urgent need caused by staffing shortages.

Police Chief Joe Chacon and DPS Director Col. Steve McCraw announced the arrangement, unprecedented for Austin, on Monday, March 27. The City said state troopers will focus on violent crime and traffic issues and will also provide backup for other emergency situations.