Complainants allege that Austin Police officers were aggressive and used excessive force from pepper spray, tear gas, and "less lethal" weaponry, including bean bags and rubber bullets, that resulted in injuries. The OPO recommends this allegation receive an A classification.
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P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
EMAIL: POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-2676
Office of Police Oversight Formal Complaints: June 1 to June 10, 2020
Between May 29th, 2020 and June 10, 2020, The Office of Police Oversight was contacted 895 times
regarding complaints against the Austin Police Department.
• 107 by online form
• 387 by phone
• 401 by email
Of these, the Office of Police Oversight is recommending 227 complaints for formal investigation by the
Internal Affairs division of the Austin Police Department. The 227 formal complaints are representative of
606 individuals who contacted the Office of Police Oversight to file a complaint.
Due to the sheer volume of these complaints, the Office of Police Oversight has compiled complaints by
date.
• June 1, 2020: 35
• June 2, 2020: 45
• June 3, 2020: 44
• June 4, 2020: 33
• June 5, 2020: 26
• June 8, 2020: 13
• June 9, 2020: 21
• June 10, 2020: 10
Complaints are redacted to remove personal or identifying information. If you have any questions, please
email policeoversight@austintexas.gov.
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0832
June 4, 2020
Complaint:
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating the
following:
“On
, 16-year-old
was standing alone and unarmed on a hilltop.
Then he was shot in the face with a "less than lethal" round by an APD sniper.
As a teenager, I have a responsibility to make the world a better place: to make my
community a better place. I do not want to live in a community shrouded in the violent
atmosphere created by the aggression of the police department in Austin.
You attacked a peaceful protestor.
You attacked a teenager.
APD is solely responsible.
APD will never be able to take back the damage done to
: you have scarred him, and
other Austinite teenagers, for life.
End the use of "less than lethal" rounds immediately. They have no place in our
community. It is a disgrace to the concept of liberty that you would believe such an action
is justified. Shame on you.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0833
June 4, 2020
Complaint: Ms.
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating
the following:
“I believe that what happened to
was unlawful. Innocent peaceful protesters
should not be getting shot in the head with bean bags.
is 16 years old and
his life will never be the same. He had to have emergency surgery and is now staying in
the neurological wing at the hospital. I am also on the frontlines, but instead I work at a
local hospital with neuro patients and so therefore I know this kid has a long life changing
road of recovery ahead for him. I believe that the officer responsible, Officer
,
should be charged with attempted murder.
is just a young man, our future. Please do
better? I am proud to say that I am a Texan but even prouder to say that I am an Austinite.
Our community deserves better.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0834
June 4, 2020
Complaint:
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating the
following:
“On
, 20-year-old
was simply standing in protest, when he was shot
in the base of the skull with rubber bullets by an APD sniper. APD also fired on volunteer
medical worker as they tried to administer first aid.
The gross negligence of APD has been clear. You shot
. You attacked him.
The APD has shown its gross incompetence to protect the Austin citizenry.
injury is one of many in which case the APD has displayed brutality, gross
incompetence, and negligence. APD, so completely inept to protect the citizenry, is
responsible.
Your institution has done nothing but injure and harm Austinites protesting for a better
world.
End the use of rubber bullets: they''ve hurt too many Austinites; they are weapons of
aggression.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0835
June 4, 2020
Complaint: Ms.
, complainant, submitted an online complaint to the Office of
Police Oversight stating the following:
“On
and
2020, there were two protests/demonstrations regarding justice
for the murders of several unarmed Black people perpetrated by police officers. Many of
the police officers were nonviolent, but the situation escalated when officers in riot gear
came out and began shooting (rubber bullets or bean bags) and spraying (pepper spray or
tear gas) protesters. I have no idea what the policies and procedures are regarding use of
these weapons, but from my eye witness account they were used aggressively and liberally.
Officers in riot gear blocked a peaceful march and sprayed/shot at protesters who went to
move through the line after a bus was allowed through. It felt like a police state and
appeared highly militarized. I did not see one officer join the protesters on the side of
bringing justice to murderers. It was a counter-protester dynamic which is highly
inappropriate. I felt unsafe because of the police. I did not bring my daughter to protest an
important social cause because I feared I could not protect her from violence by the police.
I should not fear people who are paid to protect me.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0836
June 4, 2020
Complaint:
, complainant, submitted an online complaint to the Office of Police
Oversight stating the following:
“Officers used excessive force and critically injured 20 year old
. They fired
“less lethal” round that struck at least two people indiscriminately into a peaceful crowd.
Afterwards they poured a water bottle on to the crowd and threw the empty bottle at us.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0837
June 4, 2020
Complaint:
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating the
following:
“STOP SHOOTING PROTESTORS IN THE HEAD. ANY COP WHO DOES THIS
SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND FIRED.
It really is as simple as that.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0838
June 4, 2020
Complaint: Ms.
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating
the following:
“On social media, I viewed several videos of the Austin Police Department shooting rubber
bullets at the peaceful protesters. Among these protesters was
. He was
peacefully protesting when one of the officers shot him, which according to the witnesses
and the videos, led him to be carried to the police officers for help. Unfortunately, a witness
claims that the police officers continued to shoot at the protesters while they were trying to
give
to the police officers for medical assistance. I''m calling for the resignation of
the Chief of Police of the Austin Texas Police Department and an immediate reform for
police officer''s training. My father was originally from the state of Texas and to see people
who are sworn to protect people cause harm instead, it will not be tolerated. Bless all of
your hearts (not really) and do what''s right for your department. Thank you.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0839
June 4, 2020
Complaint: Mr.
, combat veteran and retired cop, contacted the Office of Police
Oversight and asked why APD is shooting pregnant women. Mr.
further stated that all of
these people should be fired immediately – no excuses.
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0840
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an anonymous online complaint alleging
the following:
“Peacefully protesting on
the
, myself and several other people were
directly and repeated sprayed in the face by this officer while protesting. He smiled as we
burned and cried with chemicals in our eyes....literally smiled.
.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0841
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an email from an anonymous complainant
with the following link:
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0842
June 4, 2020
Complaint: Ms
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating the
following:
“I understand one of your officers shot an unarmed black protester in the head with a “less
lethal” round and put him in the hospital with brain damage, and then shot the identified
medic who tried to help him.
I also hear this is currently under “level 1 investigation”. I’m calling for this officer’s
immediate termination, and I hope swift justice will be served. There are truly no words
for how corrupt, dangerous, and morally and ethically reprehensible the behavior of your
officer(s) was.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0843
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an anonymous online complaint stating
the following:
“I''m filing this complaint on behalf of
, the 20 year old gentleman who is
now in a vegetative state after being shot in the head. I dont understand how police can do
this to THEIR OWN CITIZENS because they''re just "following orders". Following this, I
read an account from a medic who was shot from a self-estimated 3ft away who was clearly
labeled as a medic, while they attempted to clear the way so that the injured could receive
care after being instructed to bring the gentleman over.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0844
June 4, 2020
Complaint:
, complainant, submitted an online complaint to the Office of
Police Oversight stating the following:
“I am a long-term Austin resident and am horrified by the recent treatment of protestors in
our city. The reckless use of tear gas and bean bags shots. MEDICS, actively treatment
injured protestors, were targeted by officers and hit with these ''less than lethal'' rounds of
ammunition. A young university student is currently hospitalized in critical condition due
to an officer''s dangerous act. Officers'' physical assaults of Austin citizens who were
peaceful protesting is shameful. The APD should be reined in, defunded and investigated
for these unacceptable practices. I was not present during this incident, but am horrified
each time it is reported on local news.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0845
June 4, 2020
Complaint: Mr.
, complainant, submitted an online complaint to the Office of
Police Oversight stating the following:
“There is a few videos of a 16 year old kid getting head shot with a rubber bullet by APD.
He wasn''t in the crowds, he was in the distance. Even if this was unintentional it should
still be classified as negligent discharge of a weapon. If it was intentional then it is
attempted murder.
These are two videos from different perspectives.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0848
June 4, 2020
Complaint:
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating
the following:
“I am writing to demand an investigation be opened into firing the officers involved with
shooting
.
was receiving medical help from a professional at protest
when officers shot him in the head along with the medic that was administering help. The
officers involved in this incident need to be held accountable immediately and taken off
the streets of Austin. This requires action now.
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0849
June 4, 2020
Complaint: Ms.
, complainant, alleges that while peacefully protesting, a
young man was shot in head. The complainant further alleges that the officer said if the young
man wanted medical attention, he needed to be brought to police. However, when he was
brought to the police, they open fired and shot the medic.
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0850
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an anonymous complaint alleging that
protesters may have been throwing water bottles and APD opened fire on them. Complainant
states that this was a complete escalation that was uncalled for and it makes APD look bad.
Complainant additionally wanted to file a complaint about the 16-year-old kid who was shot.
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0851
June 4, 2020
Complaint: An anonymous complainant contacted the Office of Police Oversight to
and the pregnant woman who were both shot at the protest.
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0815
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an anonymous online complaint stating as
follows:
“
was shot in the head with a “less-lethal” round while peacefully protesting
night. He suffered a skull fracture and brain damage and remains in critical
condition. A group of medics and Samaritans were subsequently fired on by the same APD
for bringing
to them for assistance, upon APD’s request.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0816
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an anonymous online complaint stating as
follows:
“I was shot by police officers with "less" lethal rounds while trying to peacefully protest
police brutality. I was standing on the grassy hill on the north bound side
. The cops were out of
control and shot indiscriminately into the crowd. I wasn’t in traffic, I wasn’t throwing
things (and no one around me was either). I have a huge bruise on my hip/thigh just a few
inches away from my
. I find it appalling that the cops would use these
weapons against its own citizens unless it was absolutely necessary to preserve life.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0817
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an email complaint from
,
complainant, stating as follows:
“On
, a pregnant woman named
was shot in the abdomen with
rubber bullets by an APD officer. As she fell to the ground, she was shot twice more in the
back and spine.
This is not okay.
"Nonlethal" ammunition should not be used against peaceful protesters. The majority of
police should not be allowed firearms inside protest zones, and there should be stringent
regulation by an outside agency on the discharge of firearms carrying "less lethal" rounds.
Police should also be trained strongly to handle protest zones and especially given
shoot/don’t shoot training.
Until changes such as these take effect,
will only be the first name on
APD’s conscience.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0818
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an email complaint from
,
complainant, stating as follows:
“On
a 16 year old boy was standing alone and unarmed on a hilltop. Then he was
shot in the face with a "nonlethal" round by an APD sniper. The same sniper also shot a
volunteer medical worker as they tried to administer first aid to
.
This is not okay.
The use of "nonlethal" ammunition against peaceful protesters is brutal and inhumane.
Officers should not be allowed firearms inside protest zones, and any discharge of a
"nonlethal" weapon should be subject to third party oversight.
APD must change their tactics and policies to end the use of "nonlethal" weapons on
protestors, or
will be just one of many names on your conscience.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0819
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an email complaint from
,
complainant, stating as follows:
“On
, an unidentified 20 year old man known as John Doe ATX (to protect his
identity) was shot in the base of the skull by an APD sniper. He was taken to the hospital
in critical condition, and the same sniper also shot a volunteer medic as they attempted to
administer first aid.
This is not okay.
Police officers should not be allowed to use "nonlethal" ammunition against peaceful
protesters. Doing so is both brutal and inhumane. The use of "nonlethal" ammunition
should be strictly regulated and subject to third party oversight.
Please change your policies on the rampant use of rubber bullets and bean bag rounds, or
there will remain more names on your conscience.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0820
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an online complaint from
, complainant, stating as follows:
“I attended the protest on
near the Capitol to exercise my 1st Amendment right to
free speech and in support of people of color. I have previously attended a protest related
to climate change at the same location. I have also marched through town with NAMI
(National Alliance on Mental Illness). I marched with others from the Capitol to in front
of City Hall. We were still in the street (as had been the norm at these other events), when
over 10 police officers with bicycles began (in coordination) pushing us backward with
their bicycles in an aggressive fashion, without even telling us what was going on. Several
of the police officers started acting more aggressively to a protester near me and ultimately
knocked his sign out of his hands, which hit me in the leg. I moved out of the way and
started to feel scared because the police had not acted like this at previous protests and
marches I have attended. There is a video of some of this I found online:
https
(I’m in pink shorts on the
right side at the end of the video). A little after this video, I heard what sounded like gun
shots and I ran away from the protest, because I was scared of being shot.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0821
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an email complaint from
,
complainant, stating as follows:
“My name is
. I am a resident of Oakland, CA and I am emailing today to
demand accountability for the inexcusable misuse of rubber bullets by the Austin Texas
Police Department.
Your officers shot a PREGNANT woman and two protestors in the HEAD with rubber
bullets. The last two are hospitalized and are in critical condition, not to mention going to
endure brain injuries. Who knows how that one bullet injured the woman and her child.
Do something. Change reform. Don’t be silent.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0823
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an email complaint from
,
complainant, stating as follows:
“20 year old John Doe was shot in the base of the skull with rubber bullets by APD on
APD also fired on volunteer medical worker
as they tried to
administer first aid. A social media campaign managed to locate John Doe at a hospital in
critical condition. His family wishes to keep his name anonymous and for him to remain
out of the public eye while he recovers. His story, though, deserves to be told.
I am appalled and furious at the unnecessarily violent act taken by APD officers, not only
on John Doe but on the medical worker,
, who came to his aid. This is
NOT serving and protecting. In fact, the use of rubber bullets in point-blank range is
actually a violation of their original purpose. I condemn this action and demand that the
APD launch an investigation to find the officer responsible for this heinous deed.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0824
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an email complaint from
,
complainant, stating as follows:
“Dear Austin PD,
The treatment of protestors over the past week is absolutely unacceptable. The shooting of
two peaceful, young men in the face with what you term ''less lethal'' rounds is despicable.
If a private citizen were to do that to anyone they would be arrested immediately.
As a citizen of Austin I demand accountability on the behalf of all those who have been
subject to violence from many officers of your police department.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0826
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an online complaint from
,
complainant, stating as follows:
“APD shot four people on video and
killed
”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0827
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an anonymous online complaint stating as
follows:
“Over the weekend of
, APD used excessive force to suppress non-violent protests in
downtown Austin. They shot "less-lethal" rubber projectiles directly at protesters, and critically
harmed at least 3 innocent people - a pregnant woman, a teenager, and a young black man who
now has brain damage. The chief of police continues to show poor and inflammatory leadership,
and now threatens to violate our First Amendment rights with a curfew. The police department is
threatening the safety of the community.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0828
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an email complaint from
,
complainant, stating as follows:
“To the Austin Police Department,
As a mother, you not only have the right, but an obligation to try and create a better, safer world
for your child to grow up in. One of the reasons
and many other mothers
attended the Austin protests was to instigate change so that their child would never have to fear
meeting the same fate as George Floyd.
As I’m sure you know,
was shot with rubber bullets while pregnant at the
protest. This type of behavior is abhorrent. Americans have the right to protest and exercise their
first amendment rights. A woman and the life of her unborn child should never be threatened by
the officers of the law designated to protect them.
The use of rubber bullets needs to end. Police departments across the country need to improve
how they train their officers to deal with large crowds and should be better trained at how to de-
escalate situations.
Thank you for reading,
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0829
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an email complaint from
,
complainant, stating as follows:
“Hello,
My name is
and on April 30th, 2019,
, Ellis Reed Parlier,
was slaughtered in the school shooting at the University of North Carolina Charlotte by
Trystan Terrell Andrews. Reed was the first student shot. The first bullet went through
his skull. The next five went through his already-dead body. The only crime Reed
committed was sitting in the chair closest to Trystan at a table in a class Trystan dropped
out of. Trystan did not receive the death penalty on account of the autism argument used
by his attorneys and will be spending his life in prison.
They were both white.
On
exactly one year and one month after Reed’s murder---
was standing on a hill over one hundred feet away from a line of police officers
when video evidence shows him hit the ground. Medics rushed over to
as blood
quietly streams from the wound barely exposed beneath his hair. His eyes are listless.
Medics argue over if they should move him or stay put with him, if his head should be
upright or tilted back, if they should wash his wound or not.
says nothing.
has
permanent brain damage from the rubber bullet that was aimed directly at his skull.
crime appears to be standing and watching the officers who swore to protect him
and other citizens.
is a person of color. The officer who shot him was white.
I am placing emphasis on the race of the individuals directly involved in these two
tragedies not because of what took place, but because of how the assailants will be
charged. There was no doubt Trystan would be punished; school shootings are one of the
greatest tragedies of modern history.
wanted Trystan to receive the death
penalty, but because Trystan had a “troubled past” and was “autistic” he couldn’t
possibly understand the gravity of his actions, and therefore was sentenced to life in
prison. There’s no guarantee the court’s decision would change if Trystan were a person
of color because school shooters are almost exclusively white men; there is no precedent.
But if people of color are routinely given long sentences for petty crimes, then I can say
with confidence Trystan would’ve received the death penalty.
I don’t have to make assumptions and conjectures about how the officer who shot
will be charged. America is revolting because they aren’t. It has taken almost a week of
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
protesting all over the nation to convince the Minneapolis PD to charge all four officers
involved in George Floyd’s murder. Officer Chauvin murdered eighteen other people
before Floyd. If Officer Chauvin were a civilian, we would call him a serial killer, but
because he puts on an aluminum badge for forty hours a week, we’re supposed to call
him a “hero?”
could’ve easily joined Reed in the lengthy list of people thoughtlessly killed. The
only thing that saved him was a rubber bullet. The officer who shot him aimed to kill. Do
not make the mistakes of the Minneapolis PD in waiting to fire and charge the officers
involved with
assault. Fire and charge those officers with attempted
murder.
Remember who you swore to serve and protect,
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0830
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an anonymous online complaint stating as
follows:
“Extremely disappointed with APD’s actions on
evening. I was in front of the
downtown and my girlfriend and I got pepper spray in our eyes and lungs
from the excessive clouds the police let out on the highway which rained down on us.
Stripping away our first amendment rights is not the way to go. We are going to vote for
real reform in this city because this needs to stop yesterday.”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0831
June 4, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an email complaint from
,
complainant, stating as follows:
“As members of civil society, we all have a fundamental duty to change the world for the
better:
attended a protest in order to answer her duty. She attended a
protest to make this city a better place for her child: she attended to make this city a better
place.
It is abhorrent to me that for civic participation; for activism; for standing up for the
egalitarian values that we, as Americans pride ourselves for owning, she was brutally shot
by a rubber bullet.
If you truly want to perform your duty just as
performed her’s: end the use of
rubber bullets -- they are unconscionable weapons of aggression which have no place in
our community.
If it is the police’s duty to protect the rights of Austinites, you will end the use of rubber
bullets.
If the police, as an institution, wishes to reform, start by ending the usage of rubber bullets.
There is no justification for harming the citizens you are sworn to protect: end the use of
rubber bullets immediately.
The Rubber Bullets Project”
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
Complaint: This notice of formal complaint is a request for Internal Affairs to initiate an
investigation in order 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):
105 PURPOSE AND SCOPE – COMMUNITY POLICING
The purpose of this general order is to identify the tenets of Community Policing, which serves
as the basis for this Department’s mission and guiding principles. Community Policing is beyond
a philosophy, it is a practice. The Austin Police Department is committed to Community Policing
which strives to build mutual respect, collaborative partnerships, fair and impartial policing, and
procedurally just behavior with the community that we serve. The Department’s goal is to have
an understanding of the traditions, culture, and history of the neighborhoods in which they serve
in order to develop proactive solutions to problems and increase overall trust in policing.
Likewise, the Department is required to provide information and training to the community so
community members gain an understanding of police practices and procedures, as well as an
understanding of the traditions and culture of law enforcement.
200.2 DE-ESCALATION OF POTENTIAL FORCE ENCOUNTERS
When safe and reasonable under the totality of circumstances, officers shall use de-escalation
techniques to reduce the likelihood for force and increase the likelihood of voluntary compliance.
Nothing in this de-escalation policy requires an officer to place themselves in harm’s way to
attempt to de-escalate a situation. Recognizing that circumstances may rapidly change, officers
may need to abandon de-escalation efforts after they have commenced. Understanding that no
policy can realistically predict every situation an officer might encounter, the Department
recognizes that each officer must be entrusted with well-reasoned discretion in determining the
reasonable de-escalation techniques to use in a situation. This de-escalation policy is intended to
complement, not replace or supersede, other portions of the APD Policy Manual or specific
officer training that addresses de-escalation.
200.2.1 ASSESSENT AND DE-ESCALATION
As officers arrive on the scene, observe conditions, and interact with the persons there, they
should continue to gather additional relevant information and facts. These assessments, along
with reasonable inferences help to develop an understanding of the totality of the circumstances
of the incident.
200.3 RESPONSE TO RESISTANCE
While the type and extent of force may vary, it is the policy of this department that officers use
only that amount of objectively reasonable force which appears necessary under the
circumstances to successfully accomplish the legitimate law enforcement purpose in accordance
with this order.
200.3.1 DETERMINING THE OBJECTIVE REASONABLENESS OF FORCE
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
Any interpretation of objective reasonableness about the amount of force that reasonably appears
to be necessary in a particular situation must allow for the fact that police officers are often
forced to make split-second decisions in circumstances that are tense, uncertain and rapidly
evolving, and the amount of time available to evaluate and respond to changing circumstances
may influence their decisions. The question is whether the officer's actions are "objectively
reasonable" in light of the facts and circumstances confronting him.
206.4 CHEMICAL AGENT GUIDELINES
Chemical agents are devices used to minimize the potential for injury to employees, offenders,
or other subjects. They should be used only in situations where such force reasonably appears
necessary.
206.4.3 TREATMENT FOR CHEMICAL AGENT EXPOSURE
Subjects who have been affected by the use of chemical agents should be afforded means of
cleansing the affected areas as soon as practicable. Those subjects who complain of further
severe effects shall be afforded a medical examination by competent medical personnel.
206.5.5 SHOT PLACEMENT AND DEPLOYMENT DISTANCES
Officers should generally follow their training instructions regarding minimum deployment
distances and target areas. The need to immediately incapacitate the subject must be weighed
against the risk of causing serious injury or death.
The head and neck should not be intentionally targeted, however any target area or distance may
be considered when it reasonably appears necessary to accomplish immediate incapacitation in
order to prevent serious injury or death to officers or others.
300.3 CROWDS, EVENTS AND GATHERINGS
Officers may encounter gatherings of people, including but not limited to, civil demonstrations,
civic, social and business events, public displays, parades and sporting events. Officers should
monitor such events as time permits in an effort to keep the peace and protect the safety and
rights of those present. A patrol supervisor should be notified when it becomes reasonably
foreseeable that such an event may require increased monitoring, contact or intervention.
Officers responding to an event or gathering that warrants law enforcement involvement should
carefully balance the speech and association rights of those present with applicable public safety
concerns before taking enforcement action. Officers are encouraged to contact organizers or
responsible persons to seek voluntary compliance that may address relevant public safety/order
concerns.
Officers should consider enforcement of applicable state and local laws, such as Tex. Penal Code
§ 42.03 (Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway), when the activity blocks the entrance or
egress of a facility or location and when voluntary compliance with the law is not achieved.
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
301.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE – RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMUNITY
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 are expected to act professionally, treat all persons fairly and equally, and perform
all duties impartially, objectively, and equitably without regard to personal feelings, animosities,
friendships, financial status, sex, creed, color, race, religion, age, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, gender identity or gender expression or social or ethnic background.
301.3 CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
APD constantly works to establish direct contacts with the community we serve. Without
grassroots community support, successful enforcement of many laws may be difficult, if not
impossible. Community involvement can be an effective means of eliciting public support, can
serve to identify problems in the making, and may foster cooperative efforts in resolving
community issues. Input from the community can also help ensure that agency general orders
accurately reflect the needs of the community.
302.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE – PUBLIC RECORDING OF OFFICIAL ACTS
The Austin Police Department recognizes that members of the general public have a First
Amendment right to video record. photograph, and/or audio record APD officers while they are
conducting official business or while acting in an official capacity in any public space, unless
such recordings interfere with police activity.
326.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE – NEWS AND MEDIA RELATIONS
The purpose of this order is to seek a balance between permitting the free flow of information to
the public and the media while protecting both the prosecution's case and the rights of the
accused from possible prejudicial publicity. Public information and positive media relations are
an integral part of the operation of any public service agency and APD is no exception. Most
citizens have little contact with law enforcement and their opinions of the police are often
formed by our Department's portrayal in the media. The release of public information and
maintenance of good media relations is a crucial element of APD's mission. Employees must
maintain a good rapport with the public and the media and deal with them in a courteous manner.
The media has a legitimate function in our society and the public trust of the police can be
enhanced through media relations.
APD is committed to informing the community and members of the news media of events that
are handled by, or involve, the Department. Employees will cooperate fully in meeting the
relevant information needs of the public and the news media. Every reasonable effort should be
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.
NOTICE OF FORMAL
COMPLAINT
made to obtain requested information, so long as the release of that information conforms to
federal and state laws, and follows established Department guidelines.
328.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE – RACIAL OR BIAS-BASED PROFILING
This order provides guidance to department members and establishes appropriate controls to
ensure that members of the Austin Police Department do not engage in racial or bias-based
profiling or violate any related laws while serving the community.
328.2 POLICY – RACIAL OR BIAS-BASED PROFILING
The Department strives to provide law enforcement services to our diverse community while
respecting the racial, cultural, or other differences of those we serve. It is the policy and practice
of the Department to provide law enforcement services and to enforce the law equally, fairly, and
without discrimination toward any individual or group.
Race, ethnicity or nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, economic status, age, cultural
group, disability, or affiliation with any other similar identifiable group shall not be used as the
basis for providing differing levels of law enforcement service or the enforcement of the law.
While the practice of racial or bias-based profiling is strictly prohibited, it is recognized that race
or cultural differences may be legitimately considered by an officer in combination with other
legitimate factors; to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause (e.g., subject description
is limited to a specific race or group), to establish relevant elements of a crime (e.g. exploitation
of an elderly or disabled individual), or to gather evidence relevant to enhanced punishment due
to offenses committed because of bias or prejudice.
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.
900.3.2 ACTS BRINGING DISCREDIT UPON THE DEPARTMENT
Since the conduct of personnel both on-duty or off-duty may reflect directly upon the
Department, employees must conduct themselves at all times in a manner which does not bring
reproach, discredit, or embarrassment to the Department or to the City.
900.3.4 PERSONAL CONDUCT
(c) While on-duty or on the premises of City facilities, employees will not:
2. Ridicule, mock, taunt, embarrass, humiliate, or shame any person, nor do
anything that might incite that person to violence.
Recommended Classification: The OPO is permitted to make a preliminary recommendation
on the classification of administrative cases.
The OPO recommends that this allegation receive an A classification.