The complainant alleges that Austin police officers mishandled a situation that distressed her and her minor grandchildren. She alleges that the officers were disrespectful and did not provide sufficient interpretation services. OPO recommends this complaint receive a B classification.
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NOTICE OF FORMAL COMPLAINT
the law stated and that they couldn’t do anything about it. When this happened, I told them
that if anything happened to my grandkids it was their responsibility. That CPS had told
me that the police couldn’t force the kids to leave if they didn’t want too. I am scared for
my grandkids, their step mother is violent and has a criminal record. My son is an alcoholic
who isn’t being responsible and putting his children’s well being before anything. My son
hasn’t let my grandkids reach out to me, I’m worried for their safety. I am not happy with
how these officers handled this situation. They were rude, mean and very disrespectful
towards the situation especially since it involved kids. I felt discriminated by officer
because I did not speak English. The situation caused me to have a panic attack and I ended
up at the hospital.”
This notice of formal complaint is a request for Internal Affairs to initiate an investigation to
determine if the employee conduct is within compliance of APD policy, Civil Service Rules, and
Municipal Civil Service Rules.
Recommended Administrative Policies to Review (to include but not limited to):
301.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
All persons deserve protection by fair and impartial law enforcement and should be able to expect
similar police response to their behavior wherever it occurs. Employees will serve the public
through direction, counseling, assistance, and protection of life and property. Employees will be
held accountable for the manner in which they exercise the authority of their office or position.
Employees will respect the rights of individuals and perform their services with honesty, sincerity,
courage, and sound judgment.
301.2 IMPARTIAL ATTITUDE AND COURTESY
Employees shall provide equal and fair protection of all rights under local, state, and federal law
for all members of the community. Law enforcement will be conducted in an impartial and
equitable manner.
In an effort to create an organizational culture that is inclusive and nondiscriminatory, employees
shall act professionally, treat all persons fairly and equally, and strive to interact with the
community in a positive manner. Employees will perform all duties objectively and without regard
to personal feelings, animosities, friendships, financial status, occupation or employment status,
sex, disability status, housing status, mental health or ability, citizenship, language, national origin,
creed, color, race, religion, age, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender
NOTICE OF FORMAL COMPLAINT
expression, ethnicity, or social or ethnic background. Employees will endeavor to understand and
respect cultural, national, racial, religious, physical, mental, and other differences.
404.2 POLICY
The Austin Police Department recognizes that a law enforcement presence at a civil dispute can
play an important role in the peace and safety of the community. Subject to available resources,
officers of this department will assist at the scene of civil disputes with the primary goal of
safeguarding persons and property, preventing criminal activity and maintaining the peace. When
handling civil disputes, officers will remain impartial, maintain a calm presence, give
consideration to all sides and refrain from giving legal or inappropriate advice.
404.3 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
When appropriate, officers handling a civil dispute should encourage the involved parties to seek
the assistance of resolution services or take the matter to the civil courts. Officers must not become
personally involved in disputes and shall at all times remain impartial.
Recommended Classification: The OPO is permitted to make a preliminary recommendation on
the classification of administrative cases.
The OPO recommends this complaint receive a B classification.