Austin Police: Shorter Academy, Faster Hiring

0:00It's April 16th. El Paso News today starts now, AI-powered and ready. Police shortages are hitting departments nationwide, but in Austin, Texas, they're fighting back hard. The city's down nearly 340 officers right now. Chief Lisa Davis sworn in last year, made hiring her top priority. Vacancies have tripled since before 2020, but for the first time from 2024 to 2025, they're hiring more cops than they're losing. A real net gain, that progress comes after adjusting old numbers. Back in 2021, they cut 150 positions so vacancies looked even worse than. Chief Davis tolled reporters is still tough, but she's pushing changes to speed things up. She's pitching a shorter academy, just 10-12 weeks for folks with technical licenses already. They get paid more, train with field officers, and hit the streets faster. One of few classes a year, and Austin could catch up quick.

1:01Meanwhile, Dallas is in hot water. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued them in February over a voter mandate for 4,000 officers and better pay. They're short nearly 700, but the chief they're highlighted over 100 recent promotions as part of their hiring push. San Antonio didn't respond to questions on their numbers, and Fort Worth wants a public records request first, though they say recruiting classes keep. Graduating across Texas, chiefs are grinding to rebuild, and these tweaks might just turn the tide.