AUSTIN, Texas — As of right now, the Austin Police Department has 180 spots it needs to fill.
Downtown resident Alana Ramos said just simply seeing APD patrol cars makes her feel safe as she walks to her ballet practice.
"People are less likely to do anything if you see a police car go by," said Ramos.
While some downtown residents feel like they see APD officers enough, others, like real estate agent Stuart Watkins feels some areas need more attention.
"As someone who works closely with people who are constantly traveling into Austin, I think we need to see a stronger presence down South Congress Avenue and in the Sixth Street district as well," said Watkins
An APD officer for the past 16 years, Officer Michael Rhone said with 180 vacancies in the department, he's confident new recruits will allow less overtime for current officers.
"Just to have bodies makes it easier on the department," said Officer Rhone. "We just take it one day at a time."
They will continue to travel next week, for non-stop recruit efforts.
"We've just been to South Carolina. We were in Michigan at Michigan State University. We will be going to Arizona. We were in New York, California," said Rhone.
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