How do you review a police department? I was just driving past... it was not a Do Not Pass Go. Do Not Collect $200 sort of thing. I'm grateful for the women and men who serve and protect. read more

Austin Police Department - Just passing through - Police Departments Near Me

My wife was in town on vaction and her rental car was burglarized. Over $1000 dollars worth of stuff was taken (including serialized numbered items) and a vehicle window smashed. PD told her they were not going to dispatch an officer and to file her report online through an AI driven website. When the online system was having glitches she was told it would be 14 days before they would get back to her so she wouldn't be able to file the police report till then. I dont know the laws in Texas but I would believe they would be similar to our state, where the burglary to a vehicle plus the theft valued over $1000 dollars plus the damages to the vehicle would equal 1 misdomeaner and 2 felonies. I too work in law enforcement and this would not fly at my agency, especially involving felonies. read more

I have two cases that have never been addressed. One was entered into system assigned to civilian assistant to then APD COP. The other was entered as a case but bungled so miserably they lost notarized , written testimonial evidence. The exact type of evidence is REAL WRITTEN DOCUMENTARY evidence that demands protection during receipt, storage, transfer , disposition and disposal. The OPO is a duplicate office of the APD internal affairs but a far less competent and far below satisfactory performing agency. But the APD internal affairs cant be trusted to investigate dirty police. That is why the city commits waste and abuse duplicating agency in place office. The OPO lost the evidence , then fabricated excuses , then lied but have said im " banned " from the building. Banned is comparable to a rock song from guns and roses. Banned due to words used and verb-age. This is only introduction. There is plenty meat to outrage over. Pending At this point i have 2 open case with the city of Austin Office of Police Oversite. 10/20/22 my pov was towed from a paid parking space. It was on my Chase Bank debit card. I was assigned a case worker and to date there has been no official response to why my pov was towed despite paid to park status. Led Zeppelin would say "Its been a long time since I rock and rolled." But in thos case with Austin OPO ots just 3 years due. Back to case number 2. I slight storm entered and left the 78750. Im driving my 2008 Dodge south between Lake Creek and Spicewood Springs Im in my own lane and stayed there. From behind i am hit by late model Cadillac Denali. Right away the driver is trying to evade contact. I get out of my pov at great risk and locate white in color SUV. That is how i will refer to at fault vehicle going forward. I make contact with 60-65 yoa white man with his window down. He agrees to meet in strip mall parking lot. Ive snapped a picture of his tag and have my documents in hand. I get close enough to observe a heavy odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. I am dialing 911. As his breath knocks me over , he starts his car and is leaving. The 911 operator tells me " no police available and orders me NOT TO FOLLOW. The driver gets away. The city of Austin has a responsibility to man 911 with trained competent emergency operators. They do not, did not and will not. 911 tracks all police officers 24/7 and know exacting location of all on duty police. Its not even a new technology. Its been around for decades. There is an officer on scene at a less priority call that can break free and look for two tons of steel on wheels operated by a drunk. That is a weapon that will /can/would/might wipe out you and family. The entire handling of this has been a ridiculous escapade of emergency service failure. I completed a APD affidavit issued to me by OPO. I got it notarized and took it to the OPO. I hand delivered to OPO and went on my way. No receipt was issued and that was OPO failure 1. A piece of notarized affidavit issued a written piece of real evidence . It requires a CHAIN OF CUSTODY. The mishandling of evidence brings instant credibility issues to the OPO. The unwillingness to do a job as assigned and required by a civilian assistant to then COP Chacon is unacceptable and stands alone on its own dis merit. Janet Jackson is performing superstar. She is from my hometown. Its only reason I know who the administrative assistant that wont do her job a few years ago. Right away I experienced barriers to effective communication from the OPO. On two separate instances , i drove to OPO and made contact with front desk. It was summer and I was advised the office was closed due to AC issues. Yet most or some other offices were open. I really dont know much else at this point. The next time I went to the OPO I eas advised the affidavit was lost /misplaced/thrown away or discarded with no known location available. Never again did I come aware the OPO ever had the paperwork. This has transpired pver a few years and I KNOW THAT DUI fatal accidents proliferate on the streets and highways of Austin, Texas. Its going on NOW. My car was total loss. Never recovering at all from impact of felony hit and run primarily SCREWED up by 911 dispatcher upon initial report. During first year of my case the OPO director was tired of dealing with me and i was advised by front security desk that am banned Director Ellis was advised of my intent and presence and came dowm out of his own office in person. Ellis is a veteran USMarshall agent. He should absolutely know how to receive, safeguard, process, transfer and dispose of REAL DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE. But Ellis took wasted LEO resource and called on duty APD to trespass me. The APD arrived on scene and DID NOT TRESPASS ''me because he is street cop and know im not there as hobby. Official business read more

Any police department that makes assumptions without doing their jobs is in my opinion, lacking professionalism. Briana Aguilar deserves professionalism at the highest level and the Austin Police Department is not it. How do you determine a cause of death without the autopsy results to confirm cause of death. Sounds like these cops or lead detectives personal interest has personal objective being influenced by personal interest. Maybe he knows one of the girls involved. Hmmm read more

Called to report my car had been broken into and they said I have to file a report online. 2 weeks later , still havent even spoken with anyone on the police department. The person who broken into my car left his DNA in my car on a chick fil a cup. What are cops waiting for? HELLO, I have done you're job for you. Come and collect the evidence. read more

As a 38 year old woman who moved to Texas in the early 90s as a kid with my family, I'm not sure why I'm still here. I don't know how many times this city, specifically APD, can tell me they don't care about me as a citizen or a person before I actually let it sink it. I've been failed every time I need law enforcement intervention and/or assistance. After I was raped at 20 and I got no justice because no one was held accountable. When I was downtown standing in line for pizza and someone behind me in line groped me every time I turned my back, and when my sister and I went to an officer for help he told us if we didn't leave he'd arrest us! Then just last week (11-6-24) when I was run off the road (IN FRONT OF CITY HALL AT GUADALUPE AND CESAR CHAVEZ) and the person didn't stop. Not only does no one come out for that. I ended up having to do my own collision report online to try to shorten the amount of time waiting for a call back from their collision division. But once again, I'm not worthy or their time, effort or any semblance of protection or service. I NEVER RECEIVED A CALL FROM ANYONE. Today (11/14/24) I received an email saying the case was suspended. Apparently, the cameras downtown are a sham and you can run every one and nothing will happen as, according to APD email, they don't record but it doesn't matter because they're owned by DPS and APD doesn't have access to them. Interesting. So once again, I'm not only screwed by the criminal elements of this city but I'm also screwed by law enforcement that I provide my tax dollars to. Well spent. read more

Absolutely useless!!!! Neighbor was in the process of destroying my fence on my property and they still wouldn't come out to stop them. I will definitely be voting differently next time read more

There was an incident that happened this morning, 4/18/22, at Cortland Bluff springs. Swat was called, in the interview they said they evacuated the whole building. WHICH IS A GOD DAMN LIE. I was still in my apartment. I was right across the whole situation: I could see everything. Very poor job done with "evacuating" everyone. I WAS STILL IN MY APARTMENT WITH MY FAMILY. read more

Austin Police Department - Police Departments Near Me

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My daughter and 12 other girls were visiting Austin, TX this past weekend ( Sept 10-12, 2021) when their AIr B and B was broken into and they were robbed as they slept. Luckily, we don't know if weapons were involved or not. Between the laptops, purses, phones and other valuables that were stolen (while they slept) the monetary value of this crime easily exceeded $7K. I could care a less about the property! I am just relieved that my daughter or one of her friends didn't go to get a glass a water in the middle of the night and run into the scumbag or creeps that committed this crime. I am floored that Austin PD didn't send an officer or other to try and investigate this crime. There has to be several sources of video evidence from neighbors and others, but instead that had my daughter call 311. Are you kidding me???? I can play out a 1,000 scenarios of why this crime should have been investigated. As a father I am sick, but as an American I am pissed off! Austin PD has a duty to protect and respond to crimes when a serious crime occurs. Yes, having a dwelling burglarized while 13 people are inside sleeping is a serious crime. Having a victim fill out a report via online does not exactly instill the feeling like Austin, TX is safe for the average American. I have always supported LEOs and will continue to do so, but this is not okay. read more

My son's car was stolen, and the Dodge theft unit provided the Austin Police Department with the address to the car's current location. They responded, stating the vehicle was not there. I called the Dodge theft unit this morning, they tracked the car "still at the same location." The police never went to where the $150k car is currently located. read more

You guys rock! sending love and support your way, and posting reviews about Austin's Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop everywhere they'll let mebacking your blue from Gridley, CA read more

Austin police did the best job anyone could have done last night to try to control the street violence that went on in various places in the city....these criminals spent a lot of time organizing & planning the street violence they damaged streets & injured an officer & damaged APD & Travis County vehicles...they need to be found & prosecuted!!!! Thanks APD the help you were able to give !!!! read more

To report a non emergency incident or in this case scammer getting $100 bucks from ppl It takes apd 13 days to even hear you out! Thank you for showing me a great new business model! By the time you come looking for I will be across the world twice! read more

Love our Austin police department and officers working hard every day for the people of Austin. Every day leaving their homes and families and putting their lives on the line for safety and welfare of others. Special thanks and kudos to overnight and downtown officers that probably endure so much. (Thanks also to the one downtown that helped me find my Uber haha) Also, do we have the most gorgeous police force ever, or what? read more

I went to visit my niece in North Austin kinda by St. Johns in Austin . The visit was going well, and my other niece came over, and her sister went down to help her with the kids. I heard yelling and went outside 2 see what was going on . I saw these 2 guys yelling at my 2 nieces. These 2 guys were walking up 2 them, cussing them out. 1guy put his fist up a few times like he was going 2 hit my niece. I called the police in Austin and took a bit for them to answer. Then I told them what was going on and was told I would get a call back . Not someone was coming out or anything like that. They called me back 18 minutes later. 18 MINUTES LATER. WHAT IF THEY WOULD HAVE FOUGHT MY NIECES. HURT THEM, OR THE KIDS ? My sister told me Austin police was not good they don't even come out sometimes. That is so sad. I guess that's why so many people have guns . I am one of those people who can't carry a gun. What a I suppose to do in a life threatening Situation austin police? Tell me what to do ?Get a gun illegally ? I can't do that , and what are you there for if you don't , or can't do your jobs ? read more

Oh wow, I am so thankful for Austin PD! Our truck was stolen last week, by the time I was done giving info to 911, there were already two police cars headed to where we saw our truck (we had located it on our find your device.). They were able to locate and return it to us within 2 hours of when we called 911. The two officers were so courteous and engaged, thinking of every way they could locate it, which they did! These guys were the picture of professional, and ready to help!!! read more

Worst department ever. Never responds to calls and if they do it take 3+ hours. What are our tax dollars paying for? Mexico vacations for the Mayor? Tent city clean ups? read more

Since moving from Dallas I have experienced the following incidents never experienced with Dallas police. 1. About 4 years ago I was downtown walking to meet a friend. I was detained for 30 minutes because I was wearing a burnt orange shirt and blue jeans - ostensibly matching the unique garb of a perp on the run breaking into cars. There was also an unmarked suburban with non uniformed police officers taking pictures of me with a cell phone. #bushleaguepolicing #creepypolicing 2. Recently my wife was threatened in our backyard by a man driving a truck behind our house in a restricted green belt area. I spoke with dispatch and was promised an officer would swing by to discuss the incident. Nothing Happened. #incompetence 3. Most recently, 6! Count em, 6 motor cycle cops are writing tickets around La Crosse and Escarpmet blvd in the morning to catch cars in the bike lane and write tickets. I NEVER see police on Mopac to deal with drivers on phones and nearly running into me or other cars. Understand that laws are laws but this response screams "yes public safety but more importantly, cash for the city!!!....do I smell promotion?" read more

I'm writing this review to commend my local police officers for keeping my community safe. I was out walking in the evening and on my way home came across a vandal breaking several car windows. This was surprising for our neighborhood as it's generally quiet. I immediately called 9-1-1 and officers came on the scene in less than 5 minutes. I was impressed by their coordination and energy. They caught the guy! I appreciate our local law enforcement and support their efforts in keeping our community safe from vandals and other criminals. read more

I have had two experiences with Austin police, and both have been good. One involved help with my disabled car. The other, they arrived minutes after some drunk and violent douchebag was disrupting our apartment complex. I'm not sure who called them, but the time between the ruckus and their arrival was very short. That's comforting. I love that there is a counter culture, and an anti-authority caucus in our city. I also love that there are people who's sole job is to look out for my safety. I don't know enough about the tazing incidents to speak intelligently about them, but I do know that stories are appropriated by the press and by politicians for their own purposes. Methinks that many of the people who bitch about the powers that be and the services provided by them would sorely miss them in their absence. See also: The Third World read more

Austin Police Department - Police Departments Near Me

I left Austin on December 12, but left a few things behind that my friend is going to send in the mail bc I was in a hurry to leave after my departure date was bumped up a few days. ​. I've been out of Texas for over 2 weeks. Somehow, my electric bill tripled since I left, according to an email I got today from Austin Energy (terrible company). I reluctantly called APD because I know they have more pressing things to deal with, so they could check on the place for which I still have a lease. There are squatters next door which isn't their fault...anyway, less than 4 minutes from calling, Officer Bundick, I think it was, rang me to inform me everything was OK, place was locked, and said he could see the few things I left behind through the window. Very responsive, friendly and didn't make me feel like a jerk for calling him over something so small. I was sure the squatters nearby had taken over my place. Things are bad in Austin right now. City is in decline. Anyway, Thank You Officer Bundick for the speedy assistance with checking on my [old] place. APD gets a bad rap. That's the conclusion I ended up coming to after seeing what goes on in other cities. Thanks again, Officer Bundick and Austin dispatch. read more

I got a ticket for a school bus violation. 14 cars in front of me passed, on Burnet Rd, and then me. watched the video and 3 box trucks turn left blocked our view and no flashing lights on the front, stop sign only. I tried to fight this fine and I was given a date but the due date to pay was sooner. they reported me and got a call saying they will send me to collections. 3 weeks after I received the letter. Road pirates taking your money. Fuck You. read more

They were very gentle when they handcuffed me, and their patrol vehicle was very spacious. btw y'all don't see those crack heads and drug deals going on outside y'all's building #StayClassy read more

I am so so happy to see lots of Police vehicles roaming around Austin streets so frequently now, it makes me feel safe and secure :)

My Harley broke down on 290 about a mile from my house. I decided to push it home instead of call for a tow. Big thank you to the Austin PO that stopped to see if there was anything he could do to help. He also ensured my route home was safe. Thank you, stay safe! read more

Years ago my friends and I were leaving work at stubbs..I was on crutches from a broken ankle that required surgery. Well that night we locked up stubbs and were walking (crutching for me) to meet our friends at room 710,now Valhalla, but my friend was up talking to our co worker and I was crutching with our friend Kyle. Suddenly a dude and his girlfriend came up behind us and asked me for a cigarette..I and kyle said we don't smoke and he sprinted ahead to my friend Brad and asked him..no sooner did he asked he pulled out a knife and started stabbing him..I hopped there one foot and the guy took off..a guy and his wife saw what was going on from across the street and followed him into whatever spiros became..cops showed up and I was so mad I couldn't articulate myself..but kyle put a tourniquet on Brad and ems shows up ..meanwhile the black officer said get in my car my fellow officers got the guy we need you to Id him..I did..point is guy got arrested but this isn't the point of this story..the African American officer calmed me down made sure my stab wound was ok as I got the guy off brad..well 2 months later I was standing outside stubbs and the cool police officer saw me parked his car and said "hey you remember me?" I said yes is Brad here? He remembered our names..2 months later...came into stubbs and said hi to Brad and hugged us both. Basically the point of this message is that officer took his time to come check on us. I wish I could remember his name cause I'd sing his praises to apd.. apd needs more officers like him. He actually gave his shit..Brad almost died on the way to Brackenridge when it was still there..I too this day remember the sincerity that officer had for myself and my friend. So please new head honcho of apd look this up and promote this officer. I have a checkered pass so I been arrested a lot but I will never forget that officers kindness..yalls car says protect and serve. He did both..hire more officers like him read more

Hmmm.....EPIC FAIL. Am I like the ONLY person to ever get a ticket for going 5 MPH over the speed limit? on a HIGHWAY? Did I mention that after pulling off, the very next speed limit sign was for 5 MPH faster?! WTF?! Think the WHPD shared their APB with the APD? Yeah, I've got a few choice acronyms for the men in blue.... read more

I reported documented harassment to the police once and they never got back with me. Mysteriously, the case number was not valid when I tried to check on the case. It was like I never went through the hours of trying to get a hold of someone and having to retell the story three times. If only I'd known they'd never follow-up on that information. Well, the harassment ended on its own after 6 months, so I chalked the whole thing up to a technical error. APD probably meant well, I assured myself. No problem. That was until one of my neighbors (who I liked well enough before) decided to beat his dog for ten - fifteen minutes, beating the dog more as the dog yelped because the dog was yelping. And not that any dog is deserving of that kind of a treatment, but for context, this is an especially sweet, mellow hound-mix dog. The beating probably went on longer, but I had to go lock myself inside. I couldn't take hearing it any more. The neighbor was inside his apartment about 50 feet away, but w/ his patio door open. I called 3-1-1 already preparing myself for low expectations. 311 explained that someone from APD would call me back w/in 4 hours. This was at the time of the incident. Many hours later I get the call back from APD, but I missed the call so I called them back. Tracey, badge #7198, answered and didn't ask me anything about the incident for she wasn't the least bit concerned. She asked me if it was happening right now and I said it could definitely still be happening. She treated that as if I said it wasn't still happening. I told her I wish someone would have told me before I stayed up so late and wasted four hours of my life waiting when APD wasn't going to help me. She told me in a very dismissive way just to call animal control. Nevermind that I had already called Animal Control and they told me that they can only come for neglect cases, and abuse cases only APD can respond to. She continually repeated the thing about if it's not currently happening she can't send an officer out, on autotune, as if that is what I said to begin with. I didn't want to think that APDs crummy reputation in general and especially towards animals was true, but I can't deny the repeated evidence which substantiates such. Art Acevedo makes such a good case when he talks to the press, but I think I'd prefer Jimmy Hoffa patrolling Austin to APD. He couldn't be much more thuggish than the APD shooting unarmed people and non-aggressive dogs. I am not a cop-hater by any means. I would prefer to stand behind the officers. I know several very good officers that probably don't need the extra hate, but APD, on a whole, you need to get your act together and remember that you live in Austin, Tx where people care about not shooting unarmed people and animals. You are about to get run out of town. Leslie was right about you all from the start, and I wish I would have believed it. I guess I just didn't want to. This can only go on for so long. read more

They are scraping the bottom of the barrel.. The cop that pulled me over was a complete looser and when I passed all of the DWI tests (I was just getting off work and driving home so I was 101% sober) he got really agitated, and weird. read more

First of all, I have a ton of respect for law enforcement. Especially here in Austin with the various activist groups second guessing every decision these officers make in a life and death situation. Unfortunately, I've got to criticize Austin's Finest for being less than fine at one particular thing -- dealing with car wrecks. First, APD seems to take an inordinate amount of time on scene with these collisions. We all joke about TxDOT having people on work sites standing around. APD seems to have the same skill with collisions. Please, if you're going to shut down multiple lanes -- DIRECT TRAFFIC! That involves more than sitting in your car with the directional arrows flashing. Second, do something better than having a wrecker rotation list. Houston's got it down with not having a list and letting licensed wreckers show up and pick the cars up. As a former prosecutor AND still being in the public safety field, it pains me to be negative about my local law enforcement friends. But it pains me more to be stuck in traffic because APD isn't efficient with clearing wrecks. read more

Just for old times sake. Let me wander back to reviewing the Austin Crew who serves you! True story: Two months ago I was driving northbound on Mopac (loop 1 for those who are new in town), when POP! My front left tire went out on me. So I pull over and say a few curse words and check the time to see where I am at regarding another work tardy. Time seems good, I have approx. 40 minutes. I get out and then there they come. Woop-woop! (thats the sound of the police, by KRS ONE for those not knowing real Hip Hop --not you Mike L. U R Hip Hop, anyways...) They come over and swish me away with their hand. I gladly get out of their way. I am freezing in the 30 degree weather and if they want to help, let them. They loosened the nuts, jacked up the car and changed my tire! i didnt even ask them to. I said thanks alot and shook their hands. Then the chubby one said, "We are here to protect and to SERVE. Have a good one." What!? In about 12 minutes since i pulled over i was on the road again. (Willie Nelson for those who dont know country...anyways) I am 30 years old, capable of changing my tire, but they decided to do it for me. Dont know why....but I am not complaining. Thanks. read more

A good friend of mine reported his car stolen to the Police Monday at 10 AM and it took them 3 hours to come take the report. There was an eye witness that saw who took the car and additional information was given that would help them find the car. Now it is three days later and we find out nothing has been done, nor will be done until next Tuesday when the officer the case has been assigned to returns. That will be a total of 8 days that the criminal has to get as far away as possible leaving us little chance the car will be found. I am so angry that the Austin Police did not get right on this. Just know if you need the Austin Police's help, you are screwed. They are in no hurry to get their job done. It is clear the Austin Police don't care in the least whether the car or the criminal is ever found. Their lack of action speaks volumes!! read more

Five Days before my 35th birthday, one of their fine officers pulled me over and let me go without a ticket. Again, five days before my THIRTY-FIFTH BIRTHDAY. These people are doing God's work. read more

Thank you to the APD for everything they do. While the rest of us are sleeping soundly at 3 am, the Police are out in force putting their lives in danger so that criminals aren't breaking into your house and hitting you over the head with a lead pipe, then kidnapping your kids. They're responding to your upstairs neighbor on meth who decides to beat the heck out of his girlfriend at 12:30 on a Tuesday night. They're responding to a fight at 2:45am in the HEB parking lot where both assailants have guns. They arrest them so that they don't leave and drive through YOUR neighborhood while they're shooting at each other from moving cars. They're running parking lot surveillance during Christmas so that no one breaks into your car to steal that $700 iPad that you were stupid enough to leave in plain view on your dashboard. At 1:45AM They're arresting the girl driving with a .12 BAC. This is the same girl who, 5 minutes later, would have crossed the same intersection as you and your sister on the way home. She would have ignored the red light and slammed into your car, paralyzing your sister and leaving you with a broken arm. Before people criticize the cops, they need to realize that these brave people are the only thing keeping our society from descending into complete chaos... read more

It was college football Saturday. I woke up extra early to watch College Gameday. I opened my windows to enjoy this 50 degree Texas weather. Then I heard it in the background. A car alarm blaring. No big deal right? The alarm turned off, all is well. I watched Lee Corso make his picks. Life was good. Then the alarm went off again and again and again for 10 hours. Other neighbors left great notes on the car that gave me a laugh. Others called 311 and tried to rid the street of this nuisance. The Austin police department came out, contacted the owner via their registration information. They saved my life. My stable mental state has been restored. Thank you APD. We love you. I'll file this as crime prevention since I was hours away from smashing the window of the car, popping the hood and disconnecting the battery myself. read more

Started seeing officers riding their horses on the hike and bike trail in east Austin. I have serious safety concerns about jogging behind/around horses that could get spooked and kick me in the face. I saw two massive piles of horse shit on the trail for a week that probably washed directly into Lady Bird Lake during the recent storms. I will be contacting 311 from now on to report all watershed protection concerns related to this issue. Remember APD: If your horse decides to poopy, please bend down and scoopy! read more

I work in an area that has an increasing population of homeless people. Lately, it's becoming a problem where police authority is needed to show these homeless people who is boss and leave us alone! I've heard arguments, I've heard fighting and it's gotten to the point of harassment where they come in and freak us out! Every time we call the cops, they will call back a few hours later with a response "Well we need to see them on the premises" ooookkkkk if you would have come when we first called you, you would have seen the homeless freaks loitering and not leaving the work establishment I'm employed at. So sad that even when you might be in serious danger because let's get real, you NEVER know what ANYONE is capable of - let alone a homeless man (possibly) on drugs, so it's natural instinct to go to law enforcement. About a year ago my boyfriend had his car stolen from his driveway, about a week later it was found with some serious evidence in it annnnd yep never heard anything back from the detective. Never a call back, nada! Thanks for failing at your job APD. read more

I visited the Austin Police HQ yesterday with a friend to report an assault. I want to thank the officers we spoke for being kind and respectful, and prompt in their response. I should preface this by saying that I've never had a lot of love towards the boys in blue, but on this occasion I am grateful. read more

I'm forgoing my superstition here to make a quick point: since I can't provide a review of the Austin driving population, I'll stick it on the APD for not pulling more of them over. And while I'm here, I'll review the Texas DOT concurrently, for designing some of the worst highways and traffic patterns I've ever seen. Turn signals: God put one on either side of your car, specifically so you could share a moment of pleasant repartee with your fellow drivers. "Hi there, Austinite brother! I'll be turning right! And I don't mean in one second, I mean in no less than five to ten seconds!" "Thanks for letting me know, friend! I will oblige by not ignoring you completely and flooring it to try to keep you in your lane for some insane, needlessly aggressive reason!" Exit ramps: you're driving along, ready to get off the highway and find your destination. I can tell you from experience: unless you live in a parallel dimension, this will inevitably require an exit ramp. The prudent (read: physically-conscious) driver would naturally change lanes ahead of their exit, as if to prepare for it. And given that exit ramps are often closely-paired with on ramps, this same, normative driver would also pay attention to whether or not someone else is trying to get on the highway, and position themselves accordingly. Right turn on red: does not somehow confer upon the driver a pass for ignoring / running over pedestrians. Also does not imply that you may first make half of the turn while still waiting for traffic, blocking one or both of the crosswalks. Cyclists: if you are between eight and 80 years old, you ride in the road, with traffic. Riding on the sidewalk is not only dangerous for pedestrians, it's also (often) illegal. I understand your fear of the road, but shifting that fear to pedestrians isn't really helping. Drivers near cyclists: if it has wheels and it isn't a stroller or a shopping cart, if has just as much right (and requirement) to be in the road as you do. So get over yourself and slow down. Unless you are transporting a fresh kidney to a donor or your wife is having a child in your back seat, you probably won't benefit at all from the 15 or 20 seconds you stand to shave off of your commute by nearly running down a cyclist. Now that you've read all that, my plea is simply to the state troopers and APD to crack down on the little infractions that make Austin drivers so unabashedly crap drivers. The various causes will be debated for eternity, but I think it's safe to say that starting with college kids and teens will make a dent in problem. read more

Had to be sure and give the Theft Detectives compliments on the way they handled a recent theft from my home. In trying to help out a friend some things were stolen from my home. Detective Tracy Evenson and her partner were great to deal with during this unfortunate event. Tracy explained how everything would work, what could be done and what could not be done. Every step of the way she kept me informed. We my nephew and I went down to the APD South Sub Station we were greeted courteously and everything was handled very professionally. Thanks you again. Jon Standley read more