Stimulus dollars could cut APD woes

(KXAN) AUSTIN - The Austin Police Department could soon have a solution to some of its financial woes. Federal stimulus could fill in some of the $3 million gap that is proposed to be cut from the police department's budget.

Today President Barack Obama announced $2 billion out of the American Recovery and Revitalization Act will go to law enforcement. Totals show $1.7 million will go to the Austin Police Department, although it's uncertain right now how the dollars can be used by the department.

City Manager Marc Ott planned on saving more than a million dollars by postponing the incoming cadet class. Instead of starting class this month, the class would start in September.  With anticipated upcoming retirements, that would have meant about 50 fewer officers on the street by the time the 100 cadets start their training.

For some, the decision to ask the city's police department to do more with less and some say that raises serious questions about the city's priorities.

"You sometimes have to scratch your head about priorities," said Sgt. Wayne Vincent, President of the Austin Police Association.

Vincent is a bit perplexed at the city's decision to spend money on new parking meters and a solar panel project while cutting what he considers essential services.

"Police, fire, EMS, have got to remain funded," said Vincent.

Still, with the cuts happening to law enforcement agencies across the country, some say Austin is in a good place compared to other urban areas that are facing a much deeper recession right now.

"I'm just happy we are having a class in the first place,” said Chief Art Acevedo. “I’m looking around the country where I am seeing police officers being laid off."

Meanwhile, others say fewer officers means more crime. “What that does is we won’t have any new police officers ready to go until the summer of 2010," said Vincent.

With overtime being cut, officers working the special tactical units will be pulled to work patrol.

"You’re going to see shifts of 8 to 10 officers shrink to 4 or 5 officers," said Vincent.

This while aggravated assaults in the city are up 12 percent from this time last years and Austin's population continues to grow. Meanwhile, Acevedo said the police department will continue to work to make the best of the resources they have.

“Quite frankly, I didn't see people coming downtown talking on behalf of the police department you get what you ask for and the squeaky wheel gets the grease so now you have to face the consequences," said Acevedo.