Police Monitor | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin

The Office of the Police Monitor was created and developed to promote mutual respect between the Austin Police Department (APD) and the community it serves.

Through our outreach efforts, we will educate the community and law enforcement to promote the highest degree of mutual respect between police officers and the public. By engaging in honest dialogue over issues and incidents that impact the community and law enforcement, the Office of the Police Monitor will enhance public confidence, trust, and support in the fairness and integrity of the Austin Police Department.

The OPM is the vehicle for citizens to voice and file complaints against APD officers. The OPM will:

Assess citizens complaints
Monitor Internal Affairs investigations
Make recommendations on policy, procedures and discipline
Monitor APD policies and practices
Publish reports (six-month and annual)
Conduct community outreach programs and educational forums

The OPM is an independent City of Austin administrative office that works exclusively with APD as opposed to any other Travis County or State of Texas law enforcement agency. The OPM is not a part of APD. The OPM and the complaint process is restricted from providing any legal services and consultations regarding any traffic tickets, citations, lawsuits and or criminal proceedings. The OPM deals exclusively with cases related to alleged violations of APD departmental policy.