APD to host 8th Annual Community Symposium, Oct. 29, 2008

The Austin Police Department will host the Eighth Annual Community Symposium “Preparing Today for a Safer Tomorrow: Public Safety Awareness” – on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008. The symposium is designed to unite neighborhoods, businesses, faith communities, law enforcement, non-profit organizations and public agencies to improve and impact the quality of life in Austin.

Police Chief Art Acevedo will be the morning keynote speaker focusing on the department’s current public safety awareness efforts and the challenges our city faces in the future.

Throughout the day, the symposium will feature breakout session on various public safety topics including:
· Personal Safety/Home Security: Taking Control
· Highway Enforcement: How does it work?
· Anti-defamation: Hate groups in Austin
· Human Trafficking: How real is the problem in Austin and the United States
· Safety Procedures for religious institutions: A safer experience
· Buses and Light Rail: The future of transportation in Austin

City Manager Marc Ott will give closing keynote remarks on his vision for the City of Austin.

The symposium will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hilton Austin Hotel, 9515 Hotel Drive. The registration fee is $20, which includes breakfast, lunch and all breakout sessions.

Those interested in attending can get more information by visiting APD’s website, www.cityofaustin.org/police. An event registration form and brochure can be found in the “Community Events Calendar” section.