Gov. Greg Abbott considering legislation to put Austin police under state control after budget cut
by Jolie McCullough, Texas Tribune
Gov. Greg Abbott is considering a legislative proposal that, if passed, would put the control of the Austin Police Department under state authority.
Texas governor tweeted Thursday that he was looking at a strategy that would stop major city officials efforts to shift resources away from police departments and into other social services. Austin became the first Texas city to approve cutting its police budget last month as calls rise to defund police during a revived movement against police brutality and racial injustice.
This proposal for the state to takeover the Austin Police Department is one strategy Im looking at, Abbott tweeted. We cant let Austins defunding & disrespect for law enforcement to endanger the public & invite chaos like in Portland and Seattle.
The cities have experienced months of sometimes violent protests and controversial intervention of federal agents. In Portland, protesters and counter-protesters clashed after a President Donald Trump rally last month, and a member of a far-right political organization was fatally shot.
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https://www.texastribune.org/2020/09/03/texas-greg-abbott-austin-police/