Dear Neighbor, Joseph Chacon will be the next chief of the Austin Police Department. City Manager Spencer Cronk announced the decision today after a national search to replace former Chief Brian Manley, who retired in March. The Austin City Council is expected to ratify the choice at its regular meeting on September 30. Joe is the police… Read more »
401K-9 Program
Highly-trained law enforcement dogs are one of the most effective non-lethal aids in the prevention and detection of crime. Acting as patrol partners, in search and rescue, and in the detection of explosives, narcotics, and biological and chemical weapons, many of these dogs are injured and physically stressed for their entire lives. Like their human counterparts, these certified police dogs deserve to be safe in the field and receive benefits once they are no longer able to serve.
The 401K-9 Program Thanks Their Sponsors:
K-9 SUPPORT
In 2002, the Greater Austin Crime Commission responded to a critical need for services and equipment to support active and retired canines and their handlers. The state’s first 401 K-9 program was born. The program has since been called upon to provide first aid trauma kits, bullet-proof vests, medication, disaster relief, emergency veterinarian services and numerous other types of support.
Each year the Crime Commission works diligently to match resources with canine/handler team needs. Through the creation of veterinarian provider networks and access to low-cost medications and supplies, the Commission offers financial relief to law enforcement agencies and officers who provide lifelong care for retired animals. Additionally, the Crime Commission offers education and training to law enforcement through annual conferences and hands-on opportunities. Some of the issues covered during the annual Police K-9 Emergency Medical Conference
are international response procedures, decontamination procedures, heat stroke, snakebites, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, and canine training to detect chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction. Participation at the conference includes a diverse mix of law enforcement agencies: local police departments, Department of Homeland Security/TSA, Texas Department of Public Safety, FEMA, ATF, FBI, University of Texas, and Austin ISD Police Department.
GACC continues to partner with K-9 units to raise awareness in the community and the media in support of worthy causes such as the thousands of animals displaced by natural disasters, most recently witnessed during the tragic Bastrop, Texas wildfires. Their constituency includes numerous local, state, and federal agencies. The 401 K-9 program has been recognized for its accomplishments by law enforcement agencies and leaders such as Kay Bailey Hutchison, Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell and local police and fire leaders. In 2004, former Austin Mayor Will Wynn of proclaimed June 29, 2004 the K-9 Medical Training Conference day.
In the News
Neighborhood Network
August 16, 2021
Dear Neighbor, Last week, the Austin City Council unanimously approved the fiscal year 2022 budget that includes funding for two police cadet classes. A budget rider sponsored by Council Member Mackenzie Kelly was also adopted that authorizes the city manager to schedule a third modified class for currently licensed peace officers if funding is available. A commitment to future cadet classes… Read more »
Neighborhood Network
August 9, 2021
Dear Neighbor, Austin City Council will begin fiscal year 2021-22 budget adoption on Wednesday. City Manager Spencer Cronk proposed a budget that includes two police cadet classes next year. Restarting the training academy this summer and funding two cadet classes next year are necessary steps to improve the police staffing crisis. At least 174 vacancies are expected by… Read more »