OPO Policy Recommendations for Improvement to Austin Police Department's General Order 303.4.2 When Camera System(s) Use Is Required
In this memo, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) provides recommendations on the Austin Police Department’s General Order 303.4.2, which describes when APD officers must use camera systems, including body-worn cameras. OPO recommends that APD expand its policies dictating the use of body-worn camera systems and create more specific policies for courtesy transports of non-prisoners.
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STEPHEN
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
CITY
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
POUNDED
1839
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20P0
March 19, 2024
Robin Henderson, Interim Chief of Police
Austin Police Department
715 E. 8th Street
Austin, TX 78701
RE: OPO Policy Recommendations For Improvement to Austin Police Department's
General Order 303.4.2 When Camera System(s) Use Is Required
Dear Chief Henderson:
A
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide feedback and recommendations for improvement
to the Austin Police Department's (APD) General Order (GO) 303.4.2: When Camera System(s)
Use Is Required.
The specific policies reviewed in this memorandum are as follows:
303.4.2 (b) When Camera System(s) Use Is Required
Based on OPO's analysis of current national best practices regarding courtesy transportation, OPO
recommends that APD immediately implement changes to the General Orders. This policy analysis
and recommendation addresses two significant areas of concern. First, APD does not require BWC
activation for courtesy transportation, and second, no specific APD policy addresses the multiple
issues that should be considered for courtesy transportation.
We look forward to addressing the items identified and improving these policies for the benefit of
the community and APD's sworn personnel.
Sincerely,
Gail McCant, Director
Office of Police Oversight
OF
QUARTER
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
DAY
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
303.4.2 When Camera System(s) Use Is Required
Recommendation #1:
OPO recommends that APD expand 303.4.2 (b).
OPO recommends that APD expand the policy to require BWC activation while providing any
courtesy transportation of a non-prisoner.
(b) Examples of when camera system(s) must be activated include, but are not limited to:
9. When providing courtesy transportation for any non-prisoner.
A
Recommendation #2:
OPO recommends that APD create a new Courtesy Transportation policy.
At present, there are no guidelines in the General Orders regarding courtesy transportation. To
ensure compliance with national best practices, APD should develop a separate policy establishing
necessary safeguards when providing courtesy transportation. It is in the best interest of APD,
officers, and the community to develop clear policies and guidelines for courtesy transportation.
NDED