Data Disclaimer

Last Updated: June 6, 2026

We Republish Public Government Records

WatchUm is a passive aggregator and republisher of pre-existing public records created and published by government agencies. We do not create, author, investigate, verify, editorialize, or independently confirm the underlying data. We have no control over what those agencies report, how they classify incidents, when they publish, or whether their records are accurate. Any dispute about the accuracy or content of an official record must be directed to the originating agency — the only entity with authority to correct its own records.

Data Sources

Crime incident data displayed on WatchUm is sourced from local police department public records (the Austin Police Department). We aggregate publicly available incident reports and present them in an accessible format to help users make informed decisions about residential properties.

Registered sex offender counts are sourced from the Texas DPS Public Sex Offender Registry. We display counts only — no names, photos, addresses, or other identifying information are stored or shown.

Not a Consumer Report (FCRA)

WatchUm is NOT a consumer reporting agency, and the information it provides is NOT a "consumer report" under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) or any analogous state law. You may not use WatchUm or its data for tenant screening, employment, insurance, credit eligibility, or any other FCRA-regulated purpose. Doing so is a violation of our Terms of Service and may violate federal and state law.

Data Accuracy and Completeness

While we strive to provide accurate information, users should be aware of the following limitations:

• Reporting Delays: There may be delays between when a crime occurs and when it appears in public records
• Incomplete Data: Not all crimes are reported to police, and not all police reports become part of public records
• Data Errors: Source data may contain errors, omissions, or inconsistencies
• Classification Variations: Crime classifications may change as investigations proceed
• Update Frequency: Our data is updated nightly, but may not reflect real-time conditions

Location Information

Crime incidents shown may have occurred anywhere on the property grounds or immediately adjacent to the building, not necessarily inside residential units. Location data reflects police report addresses only, which may include:

• Parking lots and garages
• Common areas and amenities
• Building exteriors and perimeters
• Adjacent streets and sidewalks
• Nearby businesses or properties

What This Data Does NOT Tell You

• Absence of data does not guarantee safety - Zero reported crimes does not mean zero crime occurred
• Future risk - Past crime data does not predict future incidents
• Specific unit safety - Data cannot determine the safety of individual apartments within a building
• Crime resolution - We do not track whether crimes were solved or what outcomes occurred
• Victim information - We do not provide information about victims or suspects

Proper Use of This Information

Do use WatchUm data to:

• Research general crime trends near properties you're considering
• Compare relative crime levels between different locations
• Inform conversations with property managers about safety measures
• Supplement other research (reviews, visits, neighborhood tours)

Do NOT use WatchUm data to:

• Make sole determinations about where to live
• Discriminate against properties or neighborhoods
• Screen tenants or make employment decisions (illegal under Fair Housing laws)
• Violate any local, state, or federal laws

No Warranties

WatchUm provides this data "as is" without any warranties, express or implied. We make no representations about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the crime data presented.

Limitation of Liability

WatchUm and its operators are not responsible for decisions made based on this data. Users assume all risk when using this information to make housing or other decisions.

Verification Recommended

We strongly encourage users to:

• Visit properties in person at different times of day
• Speak with current residents and property management
• Contact local police for additional crime statistics
• Research neighborhood safety through multiple sources
• Trust your instincts and personal observations

If You Are the Subject of a Record

If you appear in, or are the subject of, a record displayed on WatchUm and believe the information is inaccurate, outdated, or raises a personal-safety concern, please contact us at support@watchum.io. Because we republish official government records and do not control the source data, we cannot change the underlying official record — corrections to that record must be pursued with the originating agency (the Austin Police Department or the Texas DPS). We will, however, review good-faith requests within a reasonable time and may, at our discretion, mask, suppress, or remove specific content from our display or notifications — particularly where victim privacy or personal safety is implicated.

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about our data sources, methodology, or believe you've found an error, please contact us at: support@watchum.io