Thank you to the Downtown Austin Alliance for the verbiage!
The Austin Police Department’s North Bureau unveiled its plans for the 2nd Downtown Quality of Life Enhancement Initiative begins Friday, August 14, 2009 will run through Wednesday, September 30, 2009.
The initiative will again focus on consistent enforcement relating to crimes and behaviors that affect public safety and detract from the enjoyment of the downtown area. The public should expect to see a greater police presence which is intended to foster a safer environment by deterring crime while soliciting the cooperation of the public in keeping the entertainment district friendly for residents and visitors.
In a 2008 survey conducted by the Austin Police Department, stakeholders including downtown business owners, residents, tourists and other participants, cited drugs, theft and excessive alcohol use as some of the key crime issues affecting the quality of life in the downtown area while homelessness, litter, and traffic were listed as the top three quality of life issues.
“Austin is seeing an ever increasing use of the downtown area at night,” said Austin Commander Chris Noble. “With the influx of visitors and city residents enjoying the nightlife, the city has had to address spikes in nuisance crimes such as aggressive solicitation and public drunkenness as well as the offenses of burglary of vehicles, theft and assault.” The initiative, which is an enhancement of the Downtown Area’s routine operations, will specifically target these activities and others.
The public is reminded that they can assist in deterring crime in the entertainment district by securing their belongings out of sight in parked cars, remaining alert, and obeying motor vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian regulations.
