A report released in January by researchers at The University of Texas recommends the city of Austin fund several initiatives that grew out of a multiyear program that aimed to combat crime and improve the relationship between police and residents in the Rundberg neighborhood.
The
Restore Rundberg revitalization project, which ended in September, was developed with a $1 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2012. The grant supported a city partnership with UT’s RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service.
The UT researchers’ report included findings from the Rundberg Community Survey, recommendations for continued programs, budget projections and suggestions to replicate the program in other neighborhoods.
“Future police efforts should continue community policing approaches,” the report stated, “and contain a community-building mechanism that focuses on developing collective efficacy and social cohesion to reduce neighborhood crime and increase neighborhood attachment in a sustainable manner.”
The report found calls for service and reports of violent crime, including aggravated assault, robbery and rape,
decreased significantly in three hot spots targeted by the initiative. For example, Hot Spot 2, located in a residential cul-de-sac on Sam Rayburn Drive, saw an 82 percent decrease in violent crime.
Property crime in the Rundberg project area also decreased by more than 24 percent between 2012 and 2015. During the same time, property crime throughout the rest of Austin dropped by more than 21 percent.
Report recommendations include funding the deployment of the Austin Police Department’s mobile walking beat four or five times a week in hot-spot areas, continuing education and outreach, and hiring a full-time community engagement coordinator.
“Future police efforts should continue community policing approaches,” the report stated, “and contain a community-building mechanism that focuses on developing collective efficacy and social cohesion to reduce neighborhood crime and increase neighborhood attachment in a sustainable manner.”
The report found calls for service and reports of violent crime, including aggravated assault, robbery and rape, decreased significantly in three hot spots targeted by the initiative. For example, Hot Spot 2, located in a residential cul-de-sac on Sam Rayburn Drive, saw an 82 percent decrease in violent crime.
Property crime in the Rundberg project area also decreased by more than 24 percent between 2012 and 2015. During the same time, property crime throughout the rest of Austin dropped by more than 21 percent.
Report recommendations include funding the deployment of the Austin Police Department’s mobile walking beat four or five times a week in hot-spot areas, continuing education and outreach, and hiring a full-time community engagement coordinator.
