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Police to take 'strong stance' against increasing assaults in Austin

Chief Brian Manley said there has been "an increasing level of assault" this year in Austin. Now, he says you'll see more police downtown.

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said Austin can expect to see more police presence in the entertainment district as soon as Friday night.

"We're working on getting additional officers to come in on an overtime basis," said Manley. "And we will work to do that through this weekend." 

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This is in response to what Manley called "an increasing level of assault" this year in Austin. 

He said in June of 2019, violent crime was down 9% in Austin. 

"And by the end of the year, we ended up flat, which means the 9% gain we had achieved in reducing violent crime last year, we lost through the last six months of the year," said Manley. "And we know that the first month of this year we have had multiple incidents of both aggravated assaults as well as homicide. So we are taking significant steps to try and address what has been a turn in the wrong direction for violent crime in this community."

Manley said he reached out to Texas Department of Public Safety to bring more troopers in and around the entertainment district. 

He said a visible police presence is one of the strongest deterrents to crime. 

"When we have 180 vacancies, it’s a little bit more difficult to be as visible as we want, and that’s why, again, we’re grateful for the help of the Texas Department of Public Safety coming in and adding to that visible presence," said Manley. 

He said there isn't an easy explanation for the spike in crime for January. He said police are paying attention to it.

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