(TargetLiberty.org) – Thomas Villarreal, the President of the Austin Police Association revealed to Fox News’ Steve Doocy that the Austin Police Department was facing significant staff shortages while crime in the city was increasing.
Reportedly the citizens in Austin, Texas are feeling the full effects of the “defund the police movement” which has led to increased staff shortages. Reportedly many 911 callers are left on hold while crime in the city continues to increase.
Villarreal in a recent appearance on “Fox & Friends” on Monday claimed that the city council was responsible for having neglected local law enforcement. He added that these missteps have led to bigger problems, especially as the city council continues to neglect and disregard the importance of police officers.
As he pointed out in December 2017, for the first time the city council voted down a police contract. This is the first time that has happened in the city’s history. In 2018 after push back they attempted to get under contract again however the city decided to instead pursue what was described as “reimagining police oversight” and then they “got back under contract.”
In summer 2020 following the riots that erupted after the death of George Floyd, Villarreal pointed out that 20 officers had been indicted for “doing their jobs.”
Doocy pointed out that according to data from WalletHub Austin is ranked 15th for most homicides in a U.S. city. In the last six years, more than 800 officers have left their positions in law enforcement.
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