An external audit of the Austin Police Department’s 148th cadet class, which graduated in September, shows progress in “reimagining public safety,” but attrition remains a constant challenge.
Under internal audit protocols developed by Kroll Associates in March 2022, APD is required to report to City Council the progress of each cadet class and of ongoing academy reforms. After a delay, APD leadership reported the inaugural audit’s findings – for the 147th class – in August. Kroll followed up with its presentation on the 148th class to the Public Safety Committee on Monday.
The 148th class began with 34 cadets and graduated 19, for an attrition rate of 44 percent. Rick Brown, a Kroll consultant, told committee members that this rate increased for underrepresented groups.
“Although a small sample size, the 15 cadet separations had a slightly negative impact on overall racial, ethnic and gender diversity, with the…
