As attacks on public officials increase and repeat offenders go unpunished, this episode of the Austin Crime Report asks: Where’s the accountability?

We dive into:

• The rise of political violence and its chilling effect on civil discourse

• How Austin officers are navigating politicized policing

• The impact of lenient prosecution on repeat violent offenders

• Local examples like the Royal Blue Grocery break-ins

• Why we must restore justice and community trust before it’s too late

We’re here to represent a perspective you won’t often hear — from the front lines of public safety.

Let’s bring back real dialogue, real accountability, and real solutions.

In this episode, we break down a violent string of events that hit Austin in early August — including a tragic homicide that shook the community — and examine how our officers responded and how our system failed.🚔 From the incredible speed of APD’s response to the troubling criminal history of the suspect, this episode shines a light on the complex challenges facing public safety in Austin today. We also dig into prosecution gaps, recent budget moves by City Council, and the growing disconnect between policy and public safety outcomes.🎯 Topics covered: • Breakdown of recent violent crime events • How fast officer response saved lives • Repeat offenders & systemic failures in prosecution • Impact of public safety budget shifts • Transparency in crime reporting • The real cost of not investing in justice📢 We believe in accountability and real solutions. Share your thoughts in the comments — we’re building a safer Austin, together.#AustinCrime #PublicSafety #CTPSC #APD #JusticeReform #AustinTX #LawEnforcement #CommunitySafety⸻⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & August Crime Overview00:23 – Violent Incident in North Austin: What Happened01:05 – Swift Officer Response & Multi-Scene Coordination02:00 – Seconds Matter: The Value of Fast Deployment03:09 – Repeat Offender Background: Charges & Missed Opportunities05:01 – Lenient Sentencing: From Life Possible to Just Two Years06:11 – Year-to-Date Homicide Spike in Austin07:08 – DA’s Office Criticism & Policy Failures08:15 – Underreporting & Data Transparency Issues08:45 – Crime Trends & Public Perception09:57 – City Budget Discussion: Priorities in Question11:00 – City Council Actions & Public Safety Funding12:00 – Supporting Officers Amid Policy Tension13:00 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action: Safer Streets for All

In this powerful episode, we sit down with leaders from the Central Texas Public Safety Commission (formerly the Greater Austin Crime Commission) to talk about their deep roots in Austin and their decades-long commitment to supporting public safety.Hear how the Commission works hand-in-hand with Austin Police, Fire, and EMS to fund critical equipment, advocate for mental health, and build lasting community partnerships. From riot shields to real estate, mental wellness to staffing challenges, nothing is off the table.Whether you’re an Austinite or part of the national law enforcement community, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to protect and serve in a growing, evolving city.👥 Featuring: • Pam Madere, President of CTPSC • Corby Jastrow, Past President of CTPSC • Longtime Austin advocates and board members🛠️ Topics include: • The history and mission of CTPSC • Equipment and funding support for first responders • Public safety and economic growth • Mental health in law enforcement • Youth outreach and recruiting • Partnerships with local businesses and schools👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that matter.#PublicSafety #AustinTexas #CTPSC #SupportFirstResponders #LawEnforcement #AustinPD #MentalHealth #Firefighters #EMS #Nonprofit #CommunityImpact

This week, we’re digging deep into the ongoing bail reform debate in Texas and its impact on public safety. With firsthand accounts from victims’ families and troubling case patterns, this episode offers an unfiltered look at repeat offenders, judicial leniency, and why it matters.

🔍 Highlights

• ⚖️ Law enforcement at a bail reform roundtable with Gov. Abbott

• 📉 How repeat offenders keep slipping through the system

• 💬 Real stories of violent criminals being released—and reoffending

• 🐾 K9 Unit recognized by the 100 Club

• 🔎 Wanted Wednesday: Cristian Gamez (evading in a vehicle)

• 👮 Employee of the Week: Officer John Sevier’s compassionate response during a mental health crisis

In this episode:

• 📈 Are homicides connected? What the data shows

• 🔍 What makes Austin’s clearance rate one of the highest in the country

• 🧠 Tools of the trade: license plate readers, surveillance, and community tips

• 🤐 Why initial info at crime scenes is limited—and how that protects cases

• 🔎 Wanted Wednesday: This week’s featured suspect

• 👏 Employee of the Week: Shoutout to Mirtha Castaneda-Longoria for her amazing behind-the-scenes work in HR

APD’s Homicide Unit consistently clears over 90% of its cases—nearly double the national average. Find out what makes the team so effective, and how you can help keep Austin safe.

📞 Got a tip? Call Austin Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS

💙 Support our officers: https://apbfoundation.org

Subscribe. Share. Stay safe.

#AustinCrime #HomicideClearance #APD #LawEnforcement #BackTheBlue #PublicSafety #PolicePodcast #ATXCrime

In Episode 9, we dive into Austin’s alarming homicide surge—now at 19 cases for the year—and unpack what’s contributing to the rise. From repeat offenders released on bond to challenges with local prosecution, we examine the systemic issues putting our community at risk.

Also in this episode:

• 👮 The staffing shortage at APD: Why we’re still 350 officers short—and what’s finally improving

• 📈 Progress in 2025: Attrition rates are dropping and new recruits are rising

• 🏫 Campus safety: A recap of our conversation with SafeHorns on UT security

• 🚔 Wanted Wednesday: Michael Phillips Haros is wanted for felony vehicle charges

• 🌟 Officer Espinoza: Praised for his help during a DWI crash involving a young child

📞 Got a tip? Contact Austin Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS.

💙 Support our officers at apbfoundation.org

📲 Follow, subscribe, and help us share the truth.

#AustinCrime #ATX #LawEnforcement #PublicSafety #PolicePodcast #BackTheBlue

In this episode, we sit down with the President of SafeHorns, a grassroots organization making waves in student safety on the UT Austin campus and beyond. We dive into how the group started, the challenges they face, and the evolving landscape of campus crime. From private Facebook groups to national advocacy, discover how SafeHorns is empowering students, parents, and communities to take action and prioritize safety in higher education environments.

🎙 Topics Include:

• The truth about crime near UT Austin
• Challenges with institutional support
• Expanding SafeHorns to other campuses
• Personal stories that sparked community change

The Austin Crime Report – Episode 8: Explosions, Repeat Offenders & Officer RecognitionIt’s been a wild week in Austin, and in this episode of The Austin Crime Report, we break down some of the most intense incidents, repeat offender frustrations, and a powerful tribute to one of our own officers going above and beyond.Episode Highlights • Home Explosion Investigation – A residential explosion leads to a major emergency response. Bomb Squad and first responders act swiftly to ensure public safety. • Repeat Offender Rundown – A well-known individual with a long history of criminal trespassing continues to cause problems in the community—raising serious concerns about system accountability. • Recidivism – A discussion around juvenile rehabilitation efforts and the gap between repeat offenses and public safety. • Officer Spotlight – Corporal Hamilton is named Employee of the Week after stepping up in a major way while working downtown. • Morale & Recruitment Challenges – APD staffing struggles continue amid political tensions and public misconceptions. • Community Callouts – Our Wanted Wednesday feature highlights another suspect with outstanding warrants.Got a tip? Contact Austin Crime Stoppers anonymously at (512) 472-TIPS (8477).Support the Austin Police Benevolent Foundation at: https://apbfoundation.orgWatch. Subscribe. Share.Together, we can keep Austin informed and safe.#AustinCrimeReport #AustinPolice #BackTheBlue #ATXCrime #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #PolicePodcast

🎥 The Austin Crime Report – Episode 7: Proactive Policing in ActionWelcome back to another gripping episode of The Austin Crime Report. This week, we delve into the critical importance of proactive policing, showcasing recent incidents and remarkable efforts by APD officers on the front lines.

🚔 What’s Inside This Episode?In this installment, we explore: • The 13th homicide of the year and the swift, collaborative response that led to the suspect’s arrest.

• A proactive night shift bust of multiple suspects tied to a string of armed robberies near North Central Austin.

• A deep dive into illegal game rooms, their link to narcotics and property crimes, and why they often go unreported.

• A second tragic shooting near the Metro Rail, with a call to action for public tips and community support.

• The capture of Servadno Cruz, suspect in an aggravated robbery involving a stolen French Bulldog, thanks to a community tip and SWAT intervention.

• A Wanted Wednesday feature on Clifford Rugen, wanted for failure to register as a sex offender.

• A tribute to fallen officer Jaime Padron, killed in the line of duty on April 6, 2012, and remembered for his dedication and sacrifice.🤝 Support Our OfficersWe highlight the incredible work of the Austin Police Benevolent Foundation, providing support to officers and their families during medical and personal crises, line-of-duty deaths, and training opportunities.

➡️ Learn how to donate or get involved at: https://apbfoundation.org

📢 Help Us Spread the WordLike, comment, share, and subscribe to help us reach more of the Austin community. Turn on notifications 🔔 so you never miss an update on the latest in crime prevention and community safety.

💬 Contact & TipsHave information about a crime featured in this episode? Contact Austin Crime Stoppers anonymously at (512) 472-8477.Rewards of up to $1,000 are available for tips that lead to an arrest.

#AustinCrimeReport #ProactivePolicing #SupportBlue #APD #CrimePrevention #CommunitySafety #WantedWednesday #ATXCrime

March 30th Shooting at Lit Lounge: 4 injured — how CAST teams saved lives in under 15 seconds.

After-hours bars, and people with guns in bars.

Accountability failure? Person repeatedly threatens APD officers and is still running free.

Robbery at Toy Joy over LEGOs

WANTED: Servando Cruz Jr. — armed & dangerous

Shoutout to the APD Employees of the Week for going above and beyond!