May 30, 2025
OPO Recommendation for Case #2024-1188, Officer John Hattaway
In response to the complaint against Officer John Hattaway, the Office of Police Oversight reviewed multiple incidents from 2021 to 2024 involving unprofessional language and conduct during traffic stops. OPO found a pattern of violations of APD policies on impartiality, courtesy, and conduct that discredits the department. OPO recommends sustaining the complaint and imposing a 15-day suspension without eligibility for education-based discipline, along with referral to counseling. A written explanation is requested if this recommendation is not followed.
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OPO Recommendation for Case #2024-1188, Officer John Hattaway381.9 KBPDF Content
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ALUMY
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
FOUNDED
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
DISCIPLINE RECOMMENDATION
TO:
Chief Lisa Davis, Austin Police Department
FROM:
Director Gail McCant, Office of Police Oversight
DATE:
May 30, 2025
SUBJECT:
2024-1188 Discipline Recommendation
Dear Chief Davis:
On November 25, 2024, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) received an external citizen's
complaint, 2024-1188, alleging that Austin Police Department (APD) Police Officer John-
Matthew Hattaway, AP7994, used extremely unprofessional language during a traffic stop
incident. The citizen asked OPO to process the complaint as a Supervisor Referral.
On December 11, 2024, Commander Jamie Jobes forwarded an internal memorandum to IAD
requesting that Officer Hattaway's conduct during the above incident be investigated as an
Administrative Investigation,
Recommendation by APD Chain of Command
On May 27, 2025, OPO was notified that Officer Hattaway's chain of command had recommended
the Class A Investigation be sustained. The chain of command has also recommended discipline,
"Up to or including a/an 15-day suspension, Mandated Counseling, Loss of Police Motor Unit for
an indefinite Time," be assessed to Officer Hattaway for violation of General Orders;
301.2 Impartial Attitude and Courtesy
900.3.2 Acts Bringing Discredit Upon the Department
OPO Discipline Recommendation:
OPO reviewed multiple Internal Affairs Cases from 2021 to 2024 and recommends a 15-day
suspension with no eligibility for Educational-Based Discipline.
Although several of these matters concluded with an inconclusive finding or exoneration of Officer
Hattaway, the recurrence of similar allegations against the Officer may reasonably be viewed as
lending them a degree of credibility that should not be overlooked.
In December 2021, it is alleged that Officer Hattaway stated to a motorist, "What the F are you
doing? You are a stupid F...ing driver." In this case, Officer Hattaway denied all allegations and
contends he did not violate GO 301.2 Impartial Attitude and Courtesy, nor did he take
responsibility for violating GO 804.2 General Operation of Dept. Vehicle or 900.3.2 Acts bringing
discredit upon the department.
1
OF
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
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
DISCIPLINE RECOMMENDATION
In September 2023, the Complainant alleged Officer Hattaway was involved in an incident in
Garland, Texas, that was recorded by the motorist. In it, he called the motorist a f. ing asshole
bitch. This incident was posted and viewed across social media and also received local news
coverage. When asked if he violated GO 900.3.2, Acts Bringing Discredit Upon the Department,
Officer Hattaway stated, "I believe so."
In October 2023, another allegation was made in which the Complainant noted Officer Hattaway
angrily gestured that she needed to slow down. The Complainant notes he appeared to be yelling,
but never turned on his lights. The Complainant stated. "I didn't understand why he was so
angry at me" "Even though I had my husband in the car with me, my heart was racing and I felt
threatened and unsafe by this police officer who is supposed to protect us.'
In December 2023, Officer Hattaway was once again involved in road rage with a USPS
motorist, in which he is alleged to have used profanity while screaming at the motorist. When
asked if he violated APD Policy 301.2 Impartial Attitude and Courtesy, Officer Hattaway
replied, "At no time do I believe that I treated anybody discourteously."
This most recent complaint occurred in November of 2024, in which Officer Hattaway once
again unleashed his rage on a Pastor and his wife traveling to a UT game. The Complainant
stated, "I didn't know what I did wrong. I got a F-bomb yelled at me." "The real part that was
going in my mind was his behavior, the way he treated us with so much anger and road rage."
The Complainant stated, "I'm super concerned about him as a person so my feelings towards
him are he needs help whatever it is that's going on if it continues its not healthy for him, and it's
not healthy for the public."
During his most recent interview with internal affairs, Officer Hattaway was asked if he thought
he complied with APD Policy 900.3.2, Acts bringing discredit upon the department. Officer
Hattaway stated, "I believe I complied."
Officer Hattaway was also asked if he complied with APD Policy 300.2, Impartial Attitude and
Courtesy. Officer Hattaway stated, "I do". DED
This consistent denial of wrongdoing across all cases, despite credible civilian complaints,
reflects a troubling lack of accountability on the part of this Officer. The repeated nature of these
incidents over a multi-year span shows a perpetual pattern of misconduct rather than an isolated
incident, and these are just the incidents we know about.
Officer Hattaway has received formal discipline for similar sustained policy violations in 2023.
He received a Written Reprimand, with Educational Based Discipline (EBD), which he completed.
However, this formal discipline has not served as a deterrent to his behavior. Progressive
discipline should be imposed to inform Officer Hattaway that this unprofessional behavior will not
2
OF
AUSTIN
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
GIVE
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
DISCIPLINE RECOMMENDATION
be tolerated. I recommend formal discipline of fifteen (15) suspension days to be served by Officer
Hattaway, with no eligibility for EBD. It is also recommended that Officer Hattaway be referred
to professional counseling services, as available through the employee assistance program or other
available resources, to support the development of improved emotional regulation and stress
management skills.
In compliance with Section 2-15-5(B) of the City Code, I request the Chief to "provide a detailed
public, written explanation for not following the recommendation of the Office of Police
Oversight."
Sincerely,
A
Dail
Mecan
Gail McCant
Director
Office of Police Oversight
UNDED
1839
ALUMY
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
FOUNDED
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
DISCIPLINE RECOMMENDATION
TO:
Chief Lisa Davis, Austin Police Department
FROM:
Director Gail McCant, Office of Police Oversight
DATE:
May 30, 2025
SUBJECT:
2024-1188 Discipline Recommendation
Dear Chief Davis:
On November 25, 2024, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) received an external citizen's
complaint, 2024-1188, alleging that Austin Police Department (APD) Police Officer John-
Matthew Hattaway, AP7994, used extremely unprofessional language during a traffic stop
incident. The citizen asked OPO to process the complaint as a Supervisor Referral.
On December 11, 2024, Commander Jamie Jobes forwarded an internal memorandum to IAD
requesting that Officer Hattaway's conduct during the above incident be investigated as an
Administrative Investigation,
Recommendation by APD Chain of Command
On May 27, 2025, OPO was notified that Officer Hattaway's chain of command had recommended
the Class A Investigation be sustained. The chain of command has also recommended discipline,
"Up to or including a/an 15-day suspension, Mandated Counseling, Loss of Police Motor Unit for
an indefinite Time," be assessed to Officer Hattaway for violation of General Orders;
301.2 Impartial Attitude and Courtesy
900.3.2 Acts Bringing Discredit Upon the Department
OPO Discipline Recommendation:
OPO reviewed multiple Internal Affairs Cases from 2021 to 2024 and recommends a 15-day
suspension with no eligibility for Educational-Based Discipline.
Although several of these matters concluded with an inconclusive finding or exoneration of Officer
Hattaway, the recurrence of similar allegations against the Officer may reasonably be viewed as
lending them a degree of credibility that should not be overlooked.
In December 2021, it is alleged that Officer Hattaway stated to a motorist, "What the F are you
doing? You are a stupid F...ing driver." In this case, Officer Hattaway denied all allegations and
contends he did not violate GO 301.2 Impartial Attitude and Courtesy, nor did he take
responsibility for violating GO 804.2 General Operation of Dept. Vehicle or 900.3.2 Acts bringing
discredit upon the department.
1
OF
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
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
DISCIPLINE RECOMMENDATION
In September 2023, the Complainant alleged Officer Hattaway was involved in an incident in
Garland, Texas, that was recorded by the motorist. In it, he called the motorist a f. ing asshole
bitch. This incident was posted and viewed across social media and also received local news
coverage. When asked if he violated GO 900.3.2, Acts Bringing Discredit Upon the Department,
Officer Hattaway stated, "I believe so."
In October 2023, another allegation was made in which the Complainant noted Officer Hattaway
angrily gestured that she needed to slow down. The Complainant notes he appeared to be yelling,
but never turned on his lights. The Complainant stated. "I didn't understand why he was so
angry at me" "Even though I had my husband in the car with me, my heart was racing and I felt
threatened and unsafe by this police officer who is supposed to protect us.'
In December 2023, Officer Hattaway was once again involved in road rage with a USPS
motorist, in which he is alleged to have used profanity while screaming at the motorist. When
asked if he violated APD Policy 301.2 Impartial Attitude and Courtesy, Officer Hattaway
replied, "At no time do I believe that I treated anybody discourteously."
This most recent complaint occurred in November of 2024, in which Officer Hattaway once
again unleashed his rage on a Pastor and his wife traveling to a UT game. The Complainant
stated, "I didn't know what I did wrong. I got a F-bomb yelled at me." "The real part that was
going in my mind was his behavior, the way he treated us with so much anger and road rage."
The Complainant stated, "I'm super concerned about him as a person so my feelings towards
him are he needs help whatever it is that's going on if it continues its not healthy for him, and it's
not healthy for the public."
During his most recent interview with internal affairs, Officer Hattaway was asked if he thought
he complied with APD Policy 900.3.2, Acts bringing discredit upon the department. Officer
Hattaway stated, "I believe I complied."
Officer Hattaway was also asked if he complied with APD Policy 300.2, Impartial Attitude and
Courtesy. Officer Hattaway stated, "I do". DED
This consistent denial of wrongdoing across all cases, despite credible civilian complaints,
reflects a troubling lack of accountability on the part of this Officer. The repeated nature of these
incidents over a multi-year span shows a perpetual pattern of misconduct rather than an isolated
incident, and these are just the incidents we know about.
Officer Hattaway has received formal discipline for similar sustained policy violations in 2023.
He received a Written Reprimand, with Educational Based Discipline (EBD), which he completed.
However, this formal discipline has not served as a deterrent to his behavior. Progressive
discipline should be imposed to inform Officer Hattaway that this unprofessional behavior will not
2
OF
AUSTIN
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
GIVE
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
DISCIPLINE RECOMMENDATION
be tolerated. I recommend formal discipline of fifteen (15) suspension days to be served by Officer
Hattaway, with no eligibility for EBD. It is also recommended that Officer Hattaway be referred
to professional counseling services, as available through the employee assistance program or other
available resources, to support the development of improved emotional regulation and stress
management skills.
In compliance with Section 2-15-5(B) of the City Code, I request the Chief to "provide a detailed
public, written explanation for not following the recommendation of the Office of Police
Oversight."
Sincerely,
A
Dail
Mecan
Gail McCant
Director
Office of Police Oversight
UNDED
1839