The Downtown Austin Alliance hosted its Downtown Safety Forum on October 16, 2025, bringing together downtown stakeholders, public safety partners and city officials to share updates on crime trends, upcoming public safety initiatives and major events expected to bring increased activity to downtown Austin.
The meeting included updates from the Austin Police Department, a presentation from Austin-Travis County EMS on the Austin FIRST pilot program, and announcements about upcoming community meetings and downtown events.
See the October Downtown Safety Forum Presentation
Austin Police Department Update
Commander Carey Chaudoir with the Austin Police Department shared an overview of crime trends affecting downtown between September 2024 and September 2025, along with safety reminders for businesses, residents and visitors as Austin enters a busy fall event season.
Crime Trends Overview
Data from the past year shows that Crimes Against Property make up slightly more than half of reported activity downtown, with trends generally remaining consistent across the period. Activity levels dipped slightly in early 2025 before increasing in March during major events such as SXSW, when increased enforcement and higher visitor volume led to more reported incidents.
Overall, crime levels returned to typical patterns in the months following SXSW.
Crimes Against Persons
The most common crimes against persons downtown include:
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Simple Assault
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Intimidation
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Aggravated Assault
Simple assault accounts for nearly 65% of reported crimes against persons, while intimidation represents roughly 20% of cases. Activity levels have remained relatively steady year over year, with a slight decrease in simple and aggravated assault compared with September 2024.
Areas around Republic Square Park and the East 5th–8th Street corridor between San Jacinto and Red River streets continue to see the highest concentrations of activity.
Crimes Against Property
The most common property-related incidents include:
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Theft / Larceny
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Pocket picking
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Property damage or vandalism
Theft-related incidents account for roughly 30% of property crimes, while pocket picking represents approximately 18% of reported cases. These incidents often occur in areas with high pedestrian traffic, particularly around downtown entertainment districts.
Crimes Against Society
Crimes against society — including narcotics and weapons violations — increased beginning in August 2025, largely due to targeted enforcement efforts by APD’s Public Order Team and investigative units.
Narcotics violations represent more than half of these incidents, followed by drug equipment violations and weapons-related offenses.
Safety Tips for Downtown Visitors
With several large events approaching this fall, APD encouraged businesses and visitors to take precautions when downtown:
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Lock vehicles and avoid leaving valuables visible.
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Keep track of where vehicles are parked.
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Secure personal belongings in crowded venues.
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Keep bags and pockets zipped or closed.
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Check belongings before leaving a venue.
If a theft occurs, police encourage reporting the incident quickly and providing as many details as possible about location, time and circumstances to help support investigations.
Austin FIRST Pilot Program
Assistant Chiefs Angela Carr and Stephen White with Austin-Travis County EMS presented on the Austin FIRST (Field Integrated Response Support Team) pilot program, a new initiative designed to improve response to high-acuity mental health emergencies.
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Austin FIRST brings together professionals from multiple agencies, including:
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Austin-Travis County EMS
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Austin Police Department
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Integral Care
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The City of Austin Office of the Chief Medical Officer
This multidisciplinary team responds to high-acuity mental health incidents and aims to improve outcomes through coordinated, trauma-informed care.
Pilot Program Overview
The pilot program launched in October 2025 and operates in the George Sector, which covers much of downtown Austin.
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Key details include:
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Operating days: Monday–Thursday
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Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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Duration: 6-month pilot phase
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Unit: One dedicated response team
The program focuses on delivering a whole-person approach to crisis response, integrating medical care, mental health services and public safety resources.
Program Goals
Austin FIRST aims to:
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Reduce the need for use of force through coordinated de-escalation strategies
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Protect the safety of individuals in crisis, responders and the public
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Reduce repeat emergency calls
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Improve connections to mental health and social services
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Provide trauma-informed care that addresses physical, emotional and social needs
Training and Implementation
Team members participated in multidisciplinary training sessions focused on:
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Crisis intervention and de-escalation
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legal considerations and emergency detention procedures
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dispatch and communication protocols
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trauma-informed response techniques
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scenario-based training and case reviews.
Program leaders will track metrics such as response times, repeat interactions and outcomes to evaluate the pilot’s success and determine future expansion opportunities.
Downtown Ambassador Resources
Downtown stakeholders were also reminded about resources available through the Downtown Austin Alliance Ambassador Program, including the ability to submit service requests for assistance with cleanliness, hospitality and visitor support downtown.
Upcoming Events and Conferences
Several major events will bring increased activity to downtown Austin in the coming weeks.
October
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Formula 1 United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas (Oct. 17–19)
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American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Conference (Oct. 20–23)
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Austin Film Festival – Various locations (Oct. 23–30)
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Austoberfest – Scholz Garten (Oct. 25)
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Viva la Vida Festival – Mexic-Arte Museum (Oct. 25)
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Austin Symphony Halloween Children’s Concert – Long Center (Oct. 26)
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Vertex Exchange Conference – Austin Convention Center area (Oct. 26–29)
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Texas Self Storage Association Convention – Austin Convention Center (Oct. 28–31)
November
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Austin Food + Wine Festival – Auditorium Shores (Nov. 7–9)
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Texas Book Festival – Texas State Capitol Grounds (Nov. 8–9)
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Texas Craft Brewers Festival – Fiesta Gardens (Nov. 15)
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A Christmas Affair – Palmer Events Center (Nov. 20–24)
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The Front Market – Waterloo Park (Nov. 22–23)
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ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot – Downtown Austin (Nov. 27)
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University of Texas Football Games – Darrell K. Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium (Nov. 1, 22, 28)
Upcoming Community Events
APD Appreciation Event
Thursday, October 30
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Capital One Café (6th & Congress)
Next Downtown Safety Forum
Thursday, November 20
8:30–9:30 a.m.