Austin Police Department

City of Austin officials reiterated today that their plan to reinstate bans on behavior related to homelessness aims to use ticketing and arrests only if necessary.

Alex Gonzales Jr., a 27-year-old Hispanic man, was fatally shot by police after an alleged "road rage" incident in South Austin.

Alex Gonzales Jr. was fatally shot by Austin police officers in January. Garrett Foster was killed during a rally against police violence last summer. Both families called for arrests of the men accused of their shootings.

Cadet classes could resume if council members are happy with changes City Manager Spencer Cronk has made to the academy.

According to the city, Chacon has spent his entire career with APD, joining the department in 1998. He starts the job April 11.

City Manager Spencer Cronk has nominated APD Assistant Chief Joseph Chacon to replace Chief Brian Manley until the city can appoint someone to serve permanently in the role. Manley's last day is March 28.

Ramos' killing coincided with the nationwide uprising against police violence and systemic racism. Christopher Taylor's bail is set at $100,000.

City Manager Spencer Cronk said he will immediately start a national search for Manley's replacement. In the meantime, he will appoint an interim chief who will need to be confirmed by City Council.

A 2018 audit said national data showed Austin had the highest per capita rate of police killings of people experiencing mental health crises. The city says its goal is to not have police respond to these calls if they don't pose a threat to public safety.

The Austin City Council voted Thursday to create an independent forensics department. The move has long been advocated for by survivors of sexual assault.