Formal complaint: Purpose and scope and other policy violations

NOTICE OF FORMAL COMPLAINT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. transparency is only making a law suit more impactful in this case. If my photojournalism equipment, or work product is destroyed you will see more litigation in this case. I WANT MY EQUIPMENT AND WORK PRODUCT BACK IMMEDIATELY. This is a demand, not a request. The Government serves the People or it will be held accountable to the People for not protecting us and the Constitutional Rights that are Federal Law. In the past the APD has destroyed evidence and work product off of my work equipment. And they have damaged other filmer's equipment and destroyed their memory cards. If that happens in this case there will be legal consequences. That is a felony destruction of evidence. I will file charges against all involved with the District Attorney's office, who are already aware of the pattern and practice of criminal actions by agents working together at APD. - (OPO) 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 expression, ethnicity, or social or ethnic background. Employees will endeavor to understand and respect cultural, national, racial, religious, physical, mental, and other differences. NOTICE OF FORMAL COMPLAINT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. 302.2 INTERACTION WITH COMMUNITY (a) Officers are reminded that photography, including videotaping, of places, buildings, structures and events are common and normally lawful activities. (e) Officers are reminded that a person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence interrupts, disrupts, impedes, or otherwise interferes with a peace officer while the peace officer is performing a duty or exercising authority imposed or granted by law. (f)Evidence on a Camera or Recording Device If an officer has probable cause to believe that a camera or other recording device contains images or sounds that are evidence of criminal acts, the officer shall request that the person either: (a) allow the officer to listen to or view the recording (b) Voluntarily provide the device or recording medium (e.g., the memory chip) to the officer; or (c) Where possible and practicable, and in the presence of the officer, voluntarily transmit the images or sound via electronic mail to the officer's official government electronic mail account. (d) Consent to view or take possession of a recording device or medium must be given voluntarily and in accordance with APDGeneral Order 306.4 Consent to Search. If the individual declines to voluntarily provide the device or recording medium, or to electronically transmit the sound and/or images where possible and practicable, and the officer believes that exigent circumstances exist insofar as the evidence of criminal activity will be lost absent an immediate seizure of the device, the officer shall take control of the device and contact a supervisor… 308.3 MISDEMEANOR CITATION USE Officers shall issue misdemeanor citations as permitted by this order. (a) On-duty officers who decide to take enforcement action on a subject who commits a citation eligible misdemeanor offense shall, except as otherwise permitted by this Order, issue a citation when all considerations outlined in this order have been met, and no disqualifying circumstances exist. (b) Officers shall select the least intrusive or severe method when considering issuing a citation in lieu of arrest, which will: 1. Stop existing criminal conduct; a subject's criminal history should not be a determining factor. 2. Remove the imminent threat of violence or criminal conduct. 3. Prevent persons from endangering themselves or others 900.1.1 RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW AND COMPLY The rules of conduct set forth in this order do not serve as an all-inclusive list of requirements, limitations, or prohibitions on employee conduct and activities; employees are required to know and comply with all Department policies, procedures, and written directives. (a) Employees will maintain a working knowledge and comply with the laws, ordinances, statutes, regulations, and APD written directives which pertain to their assigned duties. (b) Employees who do not understand their assigned duties or responsibilities will read the relevant directives and guidelines, and will consult their immediate supervisor for clarification and explanation. (c) A lack of knowledge of an APD written directive is not a defense to disciplinary action. NOTICE OF FORMAL COMPLAINT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. 900.4.1 DISCRETION AND REQUIREMENT TO TAKE ACTION Sworn employees are charged with the responsibility to enforce the law, preserve the peace, and to protect lives and property. By itself, the mere fact that a minor violation of the law has occurred may not be sufficient reason to justify arrest. Laws generally serve as the tools officers use to protect residents' rights and to maintain peace in the community. 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.