Gov. Abbott Begins Process to Transfer Control of Austin Police Department to Texas DPS

Ultimately, the council’s decision came in response to the harsh criticism it received due to the way officers with Austin PD dealt with citizens during the protests seen over the summer.  

Then in September Gov. Abbott received a legislation proposal that would allow Texas cities with over 1 million residents and fewer than two police officers per 1,000 residents to have it's police force consolidated with the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

This proposal would also include Austin, which has been the ultimate reason for the legislation’s creation in the first place.

On Monday, Abbott followed up on these past considerations in a Tweet that stated as follows:

 “Just in time for Christmas: The Legislative Council has sent draft language for a proposed law that would transfer control of the Austin Police Department to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

One way or another we will pass a law to keep Austin safe.”

Several days earlier, the Governor made a promise to pass the legislation in the upcoming session claiming, “The state will fix this.”

“Texas will pass a law this session supporting law enforcement and defunding cities that defund the police.”