Austin City Council approved a motion to purchase 13 new high activity location observation cameras, or HALOs, on East Sixth and Rainey streets, two of Austin's downtown entertainment districts. The motion will result in a total of 60 cameras around the area.
Council is funding the project through the city's Tourism and Promotion Fund. Council will create an official timeline for the purchase and installation of the HALO cameras by June 15.
“We want people to feel safe when they visit Sixth Street to socialize and enjoy the entertainment district,” said District 9 Council Member Kathie Tovo, who represents the downtown area, in a press release. “The additional cameras can help police respond quickly to criminal activity and to hold accountable individuals who may come down to Sixth Street to engage in crime and cause trouble.”
Additionally, city staff will ask Sixth Street bar managers their interest in using hand-held metal detector wands for added security at bar entrances. Staff are expected to report back with a cost estimate and survey results no later than July 15.
Through the Safer Sixth Street Plan, city leaders are also weighing various safety measures along East Sixth, including a designated EMS area and a new gun buyback program.
