Building on a series of actions taken as part of the City of Austin’s Safer 6th Street initiative, the city council on Thursday approved expediting the purchase of 13 more High Activity Location Observation cameras for the popular entertainment district.
The measure was put forth by Councilwoman Kathie Tovo. Mayor Steve Adler, along with Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly and Councilman Sabino “Pio” Renteria co-sponsored the resolution, which passed unanimously.
“We want people to feel safe when they visit Sixth Street to socialize and enjoy the entertainment district,” said Tovo. “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.”
The Council passed the first phase of the Safer 6th initiative shortly after last summer’s mass shooting in the district that killed 25-year-old Douglas Kantor, who was visiting from out of town, and wounded several others. The one-year anniversary of Kantor’s death on June 12, 2021.
The city council will need to approve the actual purchase at a later date.
The resolution also directs staff to report back to the Council by July 1 about other technology that could expand or enhance the city’s existing HALO system.
Additionally, city staff will survey bar operators in the Historic 6th Street District and the Rainey Street Historic District to gauge their interest in using city-purchased hand-held metal detector wands for people entering their establishments.
