NSCNA members in attendance at the Commanders Forum held on July 11th were Mary Arnett and Rhonda Martinez. Highlights of the meeting included presentations about recent APD efforts in the following areas:
- North Austin Council of Neighborhoods is working with APD and Code Enforcement officials on improving blighted homes and apartments. Slides of before and after pictures were shown for several properties. This is an ongoing project spearheaded by the neighborhoods of this Council. Officials from Code Enforcement were present at the meeting for questions.
- In the Northgate area, APD identified some violent crime problems from New Orleans and worked with FEMA to rid the area of these individuals.
- Operation Flatliner is a crackdown on the illegal gambling parlours in the area. APD seized more than $100K in cash from several locations. APD is asking for the public’s help in identifying more these parlours, which typically are located in low-profile strip centers, no name on the outside of the building. Usually there is an indication that the business is OPEN , but entry to the parlours is by tightly controlled the operators of the parlours so the doors are locked. Operators try to identify whomever is wanting entry before allowing them in. Contact APD with information about any suspicious businesses that fit this profile.
- El Mundo Newspaper, a local Spanish newspaper, is publishing the names and mug shots of Johns that were arrested from recent stings for prostitution in the area.
- APD continues to use the bait car and police car decoy in an effort to reduce burglary of vehicles in the area. They stress that the best defense is to take a good look at what is in your car before you walk away. Even a simple, cheap pair of sunglasses can cause a criminal to want to break into your car. Always lock your car, take your keys with you, hide any items in your car from view. Most common time for burglaries is 6 PM to 8 AM.
- The past quarter efforts in conjunction with AISD included loaning APD personnel for the “Careers in Emergency Communication” program at Lanier which exposes students to a realistic 911 center simulation. Third graders are introduced to the Stranger Danger presentation which familiarizes them with how and when to call 911 and how to protect themselves in public. APD worked very closely with AISD police to curb truancy towards the end of this school year. The end of school was incident free (only one minor scuffle at one high school), no major fights or injuries, which was a big improvement over prior years.
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At this time, APD has identified and cleared 19 homeless camping sites. The closest camp site to NSCNA was in the wooded area behind Sherlocks and the bowling alley. APD is finding evidence of stolen items at these camps such as handbags, wallets, car radios and steros. They work with the property owners to clean it up, but bring in Code Enforcement and City personnel to clear the property if necessary.
- Commander Al Eels indicated that he will continue to use the bike patrols in IDA sector. These officers have been spotted in our neighborhood recently. They patrol some of the hot spots for graffiti and car breakins. He acknowledged the increase in graffiti and urged everyone to report it to the graffiti abatement number at 974-1028.
- IDA sector continues the Operation Restore Hope program on Galewood and is beginning a new effort on Sam Rayburn and John Nance Garner streets. This is an award winning program which cleans up properties in a specific area, establishes trust with members of the neighborhood to encourage crime reporting and prosecution, and cuts down on the number of people who become easy victims of crime in these areas. Donations to this program can be made through Shoreline Christian Center.
Next Commanders Forum will be in October.
Commanders Forum notes from July 11th
