Notice of complaint related to 2022-0640

OF CURRENT
OFFICE OF
POLICE OVERSIGHT
FOUNDED
NOTICE OF COMPLAINT
August 5, 2022
ICMS #: 2022-0640
On August 3, 2022, the OPO received an online complaint.
The complainant alleges: This complaint is directed towards the
Sector dayshift
supervisors who were on duty on
during this incident. Please refer to Case
Due to a serious crash located at
and
I shutdown the southbound lanes on
at
I announced the
shutdown and that I would conduct traffic control (which was on foot). Due to the large intersection
and vehicles running through my barrier, I requested another unit for assistance. When I recognized
how long this shutdown may be, I requested relief from dispatch due to the 100 plus degree
temperatures and 100 plus degree heat index. When I did not receive a response or relief. I
announced over the radio, to any
supervisor listening, that relief was needed. When I did
not get a response, I asked dispatch if we could at least get some water to our location. Dispatch
sent me a message saying she sent the Watch Commander a message about getting us some water.
Eventually, I was provided a 12 OZ bottle of water for conducting traffic control, on foot, for almost
2 1/2 hours. General Order 343 Escorts and Traffic Control states the following: 343.5 Traffic
Control Guidelines When officers must provide traffic control and direction it is important to
remember the inherent dangers involved. These Guidelines should be followed to make it as safe
and efficient as possible. (a) Officers will notify Communications of their location prior to
directing traffic in the roadway. (b) Officers will keep Communications informed of any lane or
street closures during major situations. (c) IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT FATIGUE
AND MONOTONY CAN INCREASE THE DANGER OF THIS TYPE OF ASSIGNMENT.
SUPERVISORS SHOULD SCHEDULE BREAKS FOR OFFICERS WORKING TRAFFIC FOR
EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. "EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME" is not defined in our
policy, however, if you were to contact our Academy an instructor who teaches traffic control
could give you an answer on how often officers should be given breaks. I believe this incident is a
failure on the
Sector leadership and is in violation of the Austin Police Department General
Orders. I went home that evening, sunburned, fatigued, with a headache and feeling nauseous.
This notice of complaint is a request for Internal Affairs to initiate an investigation to
determine if the employee conduct is within compliance of APD policy, Civil Service
Rules, and Municipal Civil Service Rules.