State troopers will soon start working with the understaffed Austin police to patrol the city and possibly respond to 9-1-1 calls.
Mayor Kirk Watson announced the plan in a news conference on Monday. He said he'd discussed the matter on Friday with Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
The Department of Public Safety will deploy troopers and special agents to high-crime neighborhoods at no cost to the city. Police Chief Joe Chacon says their locations and hours will be based mostly on crime data.
"In Texas, public safety remains our top priority, and we will do whatever it takes to support the brave men and women in law enforcement who protect our communities," said Governor Abbott. "I welcome the opportunity to work with Mayor Watson and city officials to provide the personnel and resources needed to make Austin safer. Texas has always been—and always will be—a law and order state."