The Austin Police Department said protests and gatherings related to police-community relations will likely take place downtown during upcoming weeks and said residents should expect unplanned street closures, increased foot traffic and large crowds. In a July 17 statement, Police Chief Art Acevedo urged the Austin community to come together and "turn down the volume" on divisive statements and actions while supporting those who do good and holding those who fall short accountable. "Sadly, our nation continues to experience great volatility in community and police relations and in our political discourse," Acevedo said. "With the state of world and national affairs it is vitally important that we tone down the heated and too often hateful and divisive rhetoric. It is past time for all of us to pause, take a step back and recalibrate." The police department asked residents who witness someone acting in a suspicious manner or something that looks suspicious or out of place to call 911.