A few hours before the Heritage Neighborhood Association meeting we wrote about was to take place, a message was posted on the event's facebook wall, saying, in part: "This is a small venue that will not be able to accommodate the number of people who have circulated this post. This facebook event was created to circulate information and help keep everyone informed, but there has been some confusion about the purpose of this meeting." What was designed as a neighborhood-specific meeting ended up being attended by citizens all over Austin. This speaks to - if nothing else - a desire on the part of all Austinites to have their questions answered and their concerns allayed by the authorities. At least ten officers were in attendance, and the First English Lutheran Child Development Center was standing room only. The unpreparedness of the organizers was encapsulated by the fact that they hadn't thought to/been able to procure a microphone. In the large room it was difficult to hear all that was being said, especially the opening remarks by Heritage Neighborhood Association president Paula Brown. Fortunately, speakers Commander Julie O'Brien along with other officers (and an unexpected visit from Police Chief Art Acevedo) then made an effort to raise the volume of their remarks. Here's our takeaway from the event. more ›

One week since the death of Esme Barrera and the possibly related attacks on two other women in Austin's West campus area, little in the way of hard, verifiable, information appears to have surfaced. Austin police say they're received “thousands” of tips and are in the process of following up on leads. They have requested that anyone who spoke to Barrera on New Year's Eve or in the early hours of New Year's Day contact them at (512) 477-3588. Meanwhile, we at Austinist have been following the news for you. more ›

Two Occupy Austin protesters are taking the city of Austin to federal court, charging “unlawful prior restraint” of protected speech through the city’s use of Criminal Trespass Notices to ban some Occupiers from City Hall premises for up to one year. more ›

According to KXAN, Austin police officers might be wearing body cameras that film their actions as they deploy to crime scenes, vehicle stops, and more. The body camera offers a more intimate view of the action than a dashboard camera. Currently nine varieties of body camera are being tested by the department, and one company offers examples of how the cameras are used. Starting Friday, nine officers will be wearing one of the models for a 30-60 day testing period. Austin NAACP president Nelson Linder and Jim Harrington from Texas Civil Rights Project have both voiced their support of the cameras. Harrington noted, "It is light years better than where we have been and it is a credit to APD for doing this." Chief Art Acevedo isn't sure when APD would begin using the cameras on all officers, but notes that he'd like to watch the technology develop and the price drop in coming months. more ›

As you may have heard in the past months, Chief Acevedo was one of six finalists selected for the top cop job in Dallas. Acevedo's decision to continue with the selection process, even after the City of Austin offered an increased compensation package, made it clear the only way the chief would be staying was by his own choice. And that is what happened: Acevedo announced yesterday afternoon in a press-conference that he would be staying in Austin. more ›

• Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens retiring.
• Teabag Party pressure forcing Democratic Rep. Bart Stupak to retire.
• Ignorance over health-care reform spurs rise in threats against Congress members.

On the heels of Chief Acevedo's announcement as a finalist in the Dallas Police Chief search, the City of Austin has decided to fight to keep Chief Acevedo here. more ›

Earlier this week, Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo announced that he is a finalist for the top cop position with the Dallas Police Department. During a press conference, he stated he was contacted several weeks ago by the Police Executive Research Forum and that they encouraged him to apply for the Dallas position. He submitted his resume over this past weekend and, soon after, learned he was one of six finalists. more ›

• Acevedo acknowledges bias in police investigation into Sanders shooting
• Obama tells congressional leaders he has no plans to lower troop levels in Afghanistan
• Health secretary declares H1N1 vaccine safe; urges parents to take precautions