The Austin Police Department (APD) North Metro Tactical Unit 
conducted an extensive investigation over the past two months into seven high-crime areas identified as “hotspots” in North Austin. In total, 19 individuals have been arrested during these operations for a range of offenses, marking a crucial step towards restoring safety and order in the affected communities. APD said the initiative, grounded in rigorous statistical analysis of crime reports and service calls, aimed to mitigate the risks posed by these areas, which have garnered a reputation for open-air drug markets.
Of the seven identified locations, six were classified as Drug Free Zones (DFZ) per the Texas Health and Safety Code Section 481.134. This designation identifies DFZ areas in, on, or within 1,000 feet of premises owned, rented, or leased by institutions of higher learning, public or private youth centers, or playgrounds.
These hotspots have been characterized by continuous loitering and the sale of various illicit narcotics, fostering an environment prone to multiple criminal activities. Historically, these locations have been linked to offenses such as assaults, thefts, robberies, weapon-related crimes, prostitution, vandalism, and disturbances that detrimentally affect the quality of life for local residents.
In response to these issues, APD officers successfully secured arrest warrants for several suspects linked to these high-crime areas. In collaboration with the APD Major Crimes Suppression Unit (MCSU), patrol officers, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Organized Crime Unit Austin Division, the APD North Metro Tactical Unit executed targeted operations leading to significant arrests and the identification of additional criminal activities.
