August 5, 2025
OPO Recommendation for Complaint 2025-0093, Officer Benjamin Cochran
In response to the complaint against Officer Benjamin Cochran, Austin Police Oversight (APO) reviewed the Austin Police Department's (APD) internal investigation into his conduct. APO recommends the indefinite suspension of Officer Cochran for sustained policy violations and admitted misconduct. Evidence proved he repeatedly shared body-worn camera footage with non-law enforcement individuals for non-police purposes, violating APD policy and state law. The investigation found insufficient evidence of assault, discriminatory policing, or prostitution.
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OPO Recommendation for Complaint 2025-0093, Officer Benjamin Cochran227.1 KBPDF Content
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P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
STRE
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
DISCIPLINE RECOMMENDATION
TO:
Chief Lisa Davis, Austin Police Department
FROM:
Director Gail McCant, Office of Police Oversight
DATE:
August 5, 2025
SUBJECT:
2025-0093 Discipline Recommendation
Dear Chief Davis:
On February 6, 2025, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) received an external complaint,
2025-0093, alleging that Austin Police Department (APD) Police Officer Benjamin Cochran,
AP5900, has shown APD body-worn camera (BWC) video to the Complainant and other
civilians; used excessive force and/or engaged in unprofessional conduct when interacting
with individuals in the BWC video; directed unprofessional conduct toward marginalized
community members; refused to return property belonging to the Complainant, valued at
approximately $5,000; may have conspired to have the Complainant physically assaulted in
Buda, TX; and is engaged in illegal prostitution activities.
Disposition by APD Chain of Command
Upon review of the Notice of Sustained Allegations (NOSA), the Office of Police Oversight
concurs with the sustained findings for the following APD General Orders related to the
investigation.
116.4.7 - Body Worn Camera Video
303.6 - Review of all Camera System Recordings
303.7.1 - Copies of BWC System Recording
900.1.1 - Responsibility to Know and Comply
OPO Discipline Recommendation:
6830
Following the conclusion of our independent administrative review, and in accordance with
the Office of Police Oversight's mandate under City Ordinance Chapter 2-15, I am formally
recommending the indefinite suspension of Officer Cochran, badge #AP5900, based on
sustained policy violations and the officer's own acknowledgment of misconduct.
Evidence in the IAD investigative file confirms that Officer Cochran shared BWC content in a
manner that violates APD General Orders. Officer Cochran acknowledged during his IAD
interview that he has shared work-related BWC footage with non-law enforcement
individuals, and for non-police-related reasons, on multiple occasions since 2012. This
behavior is inconsistent with the expectations of public trust and accountability entrusted to
members of the Austin Police Department.
1
CTTP OF AUSTIN
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 I TTY: 711 FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
STRY
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
DISCIPLINE RECOMMENDATION
Officer Cochran stated he did not believe he violated General Order 900.1.1, Responsibility
to Know and Comply, nor did he believe he violated the Texas Occupations Code $1701.659.
However, there is no ambiguity regarding either of these policies. GO 900.1.1 clearly states
that employees are required to know and comply with all Department policies, procedures,
and written directives. Specifically, sections (a), (b), and (c) of GO 900.1.1 state the following:
(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.
The Texas Occupations Code $1701.659 is also clear that a peace officer of a law enforcement
agency commits an offense if the officer releases a recording created with a body-worn
camera without the permission of the applicable law enforcement agency, which is
considered a Class A misdemeanor.
These violations are serious, and Officer Cochran's actions breached department policy and
state law, eroding public trust and undermining the integrity of accountability systems. For
these reasons, I recommend the indefinite suspension of Officer Cochran.
There is insufficient evidence that Officer Cochran was involved in the assault committed
against the Complainant, or that he intentionally engaged 1839 in discriminatory policing or
prostitution.
Sincerely,
OUNDED
Dail
Gail McCant
Director
Office of Police Oversight
2
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
STRE
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
DISCIPLINE RECOMMENDATION
TO:
Chief Lisa Davis, Austin Police Department
FROM:
Director Gail McCant, Office of Police Oversight
DATE:
August 5, 2025
SUBJECT:
2025-0093 Discipline Recommendation
Dear Chief Davis:
On February 6, 2025, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) received an external complaint,
2025-0093, alleging that Austin Police Department (APD) Police Officer Benjamin Cochran,
AP5900, has shown APD body-worn camera (BWC) video to the Complainant and other
civilians; used excessive force and/or engaged in unprofessional conduct when interacting
with individuals in the BWC video; directed unprofessional conduct toward marginalized
community members; refused to return property belonging to the Complainant, valued at
approximately $5,000; may have conspired to have the Complainant physically assaulted in
Buda, TX; and is engaged in illegal prostitution activities.
Disposition by APD Chain of Command
Upon review of the Notice of Sustained Allegations (NOSA), the Office of Police Oversight
concurs with the sustained findings for the following APD General Orders related to the
investigation.
116.4.7 - Body Worn Camera Video
303.6 - Review of all Camera System Recordings
303.7.1 - Copies of BWC System Recording
900.1.1 - Responsibility to Know and Comply
OPO Discipline Recommendation:
6830
Following the conclusion of our independent administrative review, and in accordance with
the Office of Police Oversight's mandate under City Ordinance Chapter 2-15, I am formally
recommending the indefinite suspension of Officer Cochran, badge #AP5900, based on
sustained policy violations and the officer's own acknowledgment of misconduct.
Evidence in the IAD investigative file confirms that Officer Cochran shared BWC content in a
manner that violates APD General Orders. Officer Cochran acknowledged during his IAD
interview that he has shared work-related BWC footage with non-law enforcement
individuals, and for non-police-related reasons, on multiple occasions since 2012. This
behavior is inconsistent with the expectations of public trust and accountability entrusted to
members of the Austin Police Department.
1
CTTP OF AUSTIN
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 I TTY: 711 FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
STRY
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
DISCIPLINE RECOMMENDATION
Officer Cochran stated he did not believe he violated General Order 900.1.1, Responsibility
to Know and Comply, nor did he believe he violated the Texas Occupations Code $1701.659.
However, there is no ambiguity regarding either of these policies. GO 900.1.1 clearly states
that employees are required to know and comply with all Department policies, procedures,
and written directives. Specifically, sections (a), (b), and (c) of GO 900.1.1 state the following:
(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.
The Texas Occupations Code $1701.659 is also clear that a peace officer of a law enforcement
agency commits an offense if the officer releases a recording created with a body-worn
camera without the permission of the applicable law enforcement agency, which is
considered a Class A misdemeanor.
These violations are serious, and Officer Cochran's actions breached department policy and
state law, eroding public trust and undermining the integrity of accountability systems. For
these reasons, I recommend the indefinite suspension of Officer Cochran.
There is insufficient evidence that Officer Cochran was involved in the assault committed
against the Complainant, or that he intentionally engaged 1839 in discriminatory policing or
prostitution.
Sincerely,
OUNDED
Dail
Gail McCant
Director
Office of Police Oversight
2