Pflugerville police detail crime data, AI use and response times

“We’re trying to do the best we can with the technology that you’ve entrusted us with to make sure that we’re protecting the liberties and the constitutional privileges of the people that live and work here,” Richards said.

By the numbers

The department handled more than 45,000 calls for service in 2025, including over 26,000 emergency 911 calls.

The department also reported that 98.67% of 911 calls were answered within 10 seconds in 2025, an increase from 97.96% the previous year.

Something to know

Officials pointed to a growing reliance on technology to improve response times and case outcomes.

Detectives credited tools such as artificial intelligence-assisted facial recognition for helping identify suspects more quickly and solve cases faster.

“The technology that we have nowadays surpasses what I had to do,” Sgt. Joseph Towns said. “What is new today is old tomorrow.”

Towns noted AI tools have helped solve some cases “within minutes,” including a recent robbery investigation.

City leaders said those tools, combined with staffing, contributed to a noticeable increase in arrests compared to previous years.

The division reported a 37% clearance rate in 2025, meaning more than one-third of cases were solved or resulted in an identified suspect.

Police said improved technology is helping accelerate investigations and support neighboring agencies.

“You would be really dumb to come [to Pflugerville] and commit a crime,” Towns said, referencing the department’s investigative tools.

Another detail

One of the department’s most emphasized areas was its work on crimes against children.

In 2025, detectives:

• Identified 10 victims
• Made 23 arrests
• Analyzed 46 digital devices
• 10 reactive investigations

“The biggest number on this slide that means the most to me ... is that we identified 10 new victims,” she said.

The department also highlighted a specialized electronic-detection K9 named Flash, trained to locate hidden digital devices, such as phones and storage drives.

Flash is the only dog of its kind in Central Texas and supports investigations involving digital evidence.

What they’re saying

Council members raised questions about privacy and oversight tied to the department’s use of technology.

Mayor Doug Weiss asked how the city ensures tools are used responsibly.

Richards said the department conducts regular audits and requires a clear criminal connection for any data searches.

“If there’s no nexus, it is deleted after 30 days,” Richards said.

The chief also confirmed the city owns its data and does not share it outside approved law enforcement partners.

Looking ahead

Police leadership outlined several priorities moving forward:

• Expanding technology-assisted policing strategies
• Evaluating a potential real-time crime center
• Continuing recruitment and retention efforts
• Maintaining statewide accreditation standards

“Our goal is to protect and work with our community ... and find ways to adapt to the change and the growth that we have,” Richards said.