In the wake of a devastating terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Austin Police Department's Chief Lisa Davis has stepped up to discuss new safety measures for 6th Street, a bustling area in downtown Austin known for its vibrant nightlife, as reported by FOX 7 Austin. Chief Davis, addressing the press on a Thursday afternoon, underscored the department's commitment to keeping the community safe, detailing a series of structural changes that include the installation of curbed edges and balusters and examining the potential introduction of vehicles to the street, a move previously contested by some Austinites.
Despite the horror that struck in New Orleans leaving 15 people dead and many more wounded after a 42-year-old Texas driver plowed through a crowd with a rented pickup truck, Chief Davis maintains confidence in Austin's event planning capabilities, stating in a press meet covered by KXAN, "I have seen a lot of police departments across this country and what they do for event planning, there are very few if any that compare to what Austin does here. Our event planning unit is top-notch and what they do for event season is nothing short of miraculous." Despite fears and the recent tragedy, Davis assured that there is no cause for concern when it comes to large-scale events in Austin, an opinion bolstered by the city's record in comprehensive event planning and security management.
In response to the attack and the approaching crowd-heavy events like SXSW, APD is considering increased DUI enforcement, improved lighting, and when necessary, the complete closure of 6th Street to ward off any vehicles, aiming for a flexible approach that can adapt to the rhythms of the city's pulse, revelations coming one day after the Bourbon Street incident as cities nationwide reassess their own security measures in public spaces especially after officials in other major cities across the U.S. have upped safety measures and placed law enforcement on high alert following the tragedy.
Facing heightened scrutiny, APD's plans involve a pilot program reported last month by KXAN’s Brianna Hollis that could see 6th Street open to car traffic during quieter periods; despite pushback from stakeholders, the city is mulling over this change as one of several strategies to curb crime and improve safety, although firm dates for these changes remain as yet unspecified.
The urgency of the situation has led to immediate and future-looking strategies by the Austin Police Department, as they pledge to protect the city's visitors and residents alike, the gravity of the situation demanding robust yet thoughtful responses to maintain the city's cherished sense of security.
