APD: South Austin crime rate is 'low'

"It's not because we are crime-ridden; it's because we're so large," she said. "We get a lot of calls for service, but crime is low. We get a report, and then we catch [the culprits]."

Robinson credited police officers for following up in neighborhoods and partnering with the community to deter crime.

She said collaboration among police, Child Protective Services, neighbors and school officials helped stop a group of juveniles who were found responsible for stealing 25 vehicles.

The assistant chief said the department is authorized to have 1,740 officers, but it has fewer than that because of how long it takes to train new officers.

When asked how the area's traffic issues affect public safety, Robinson said that APD has no official position but that the department is held accountable for solving crimes, as well as response times.