More Police Officers Needed In Austin

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Police leaders in Austin want to add more than 400 officers to the force over the next five years, which is more than double what city officials anticipated adding just a year ago.

Assistant Police Chief Troy Gay tells the Austin American-Statesman (http://atxne.ws/1GvtJT2 ) a goal is to double the amount of time officers spend on community policing. This would include meeting with business owners and walking through apartment complexes.

Initial plans call for next year's city budget to include funding for 82 additional officers.

It's estimated to cost $10.2 million in the first year to add these initial officers, an amount that includes salary, benefits and equipment such as vehicles and computers.

But the proposal could be modified, starting with the budget presented later this month by City Manager Marc Ott.