In response to increasing security concerns, the Austin ISD Police Department is revving up its presence on campus with the launch of a new motorcycle unit. As seen in an event held Wednesday, the department touted the move as a swift strategy to enhance response capabilities across its sprawling educational terrain, which encompasses more than 73,000 students and 113 campuses, according to a report from KXAN.
The inception of this unit, comprising initially 35 officers but with dozens more anticipated to join, trails the TX legislature's directive—Texas HB3—mandating an armed officer at every school domain, now the motorcycle squadron will serve primarily in elementary schools, the district also launched recruitment efforts for its burgeoning division, the officers meant to be a practical answer to the legislative obligations and a bid to amplify the district's police force.
Under the shadow of House Bill 3, passed last year, Superintendent Matias Segura voiced the district's approach, asserting intentionality in aligning their police force expansion with the bill's requirements
This morning we announced the launch of the @AISDPolice motorcycle unit! We’re looking for 70 community-focused officers who have a passion for developing relationships with our students and protecting our community. #StrongSchoolsStrongerAustin pic.twitter.com/s7KN5Y7yxl
— Matias Segura (@Matias_AISD) March 20, 2024
"When we thought about building up our police department to be in compliance with HB3, we wanted to do it our way," Segura remarked in a statement obtained by CBS Austin, with considerations such as cost and the motorcycles' agility touted as pivotal factors in the decision-making process, not to mention motorcycles' ability to navigate through tight spaces impractical for larger patrol vehicles, the initiative plans to double the size of the current police presence.
Wayne Sneed, the Austin ISD Police Chief, outlined the burgeoning size of the fleet, "With the support of our board, the Austin ISD Police Force will be more than double in size, allowing us the flexibility with scheduling, supporting our schools and our special events," he told CBS Austin. The force, expected to swell to a total of 70 full-time officers, has posted positions online, welcoming new recruits into its streamlined cadre. With wheels set in motion, the AISD Police Department's motorcycle unit stands poised to tackle the twin demands of campus security and legislative compliance, no small feat on the modern educational landscape.
