Formal Complaint: Obedience to orders-insubordination and other policy violations

CITY OF
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0645
June 26, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received a phone complaint from
alleging
that an officer approached him with no mask or gloves. He states that he takes coronavirus
seriously and asked why officers are approaching people with no masks or protection at this time.
further alleged that the female officer bent down and kind of in his car, and that he got upset
and asked her to social distance by the 6 feet rule.
This notice of formal complaint is a request for Internal Affairs to initiate an investigation in
order to determine if the employee conduct is within compliance of APD policy, Civil Service
Rules, and Municipal Civil Service Rules.
F
Recommended Administrative Policies to Review (to include but not limited to):
110.4.3 OBEDIENCE TO ORDERS
The Department is an organization with a clearly defined hierarchy of authority. This is
necessary because obedience of a superior's lawful command is essential for the safe and prompt
performance of law enforcement operations. This section also applies to orders received by an
employee in the field training program from a Field Training Officer (FTO).
110.4.4 INSUBORDINATION
Employees will not be insubordinate. The willful disobedience of, or deliberate refusal to obey
any lawful order of a supervisor is insubordination. Defying the authority of any supervisor by
obvious disrespect, arrogant or disrespectful conduct, ridicule, or challenge to orders issued is
considered insubordination whether done in or out of the supervisor's presence.
301.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
All persons deserve protection by fair and impartial law enforcement and should be able to
expect similar police response to their behavior wherever it occurs. Employees will serve the
public through direction, counseling, assistance, and protection of life and property. Employees
will be held accountable for the manner in which they exercise the authority of their office or
position. Employees will respect the rights of individuals and perform their services with
honesty, sincerity, courage, and sound judgment.
801.3 UNIFORM GUIDELINES
Sworn employees wear a uniform to be identified as the law enforcement authority in society.
The uniform also serves to identify the wearer as a source of assistance in an emergency, crisis
or other time of need. Some civilian employees also wear a uniform to be identified as part of a
specific assignment (e.g., crime scene, victim services).
(a) All sworn employees shall possess and maintain a serviceable uniform and the
necessary equipment to perform uniformed field duty at all times.
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act.
Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request.
OF
CITY
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
900.1.1 RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW AND COMPLY
The rules of conduct set forth in this order do not serve as an all-inclusive list of requirements,
limitations, or prohibitions on employee conduct and activities; employees are required to know
and comply with all Department policies, procedures, and written directives.
900.3.4 PERSONAL CONDUCT
(c) While on-duty or on the premises of City facilities, employees will not:
1. Use loud, indecent, profane, harsh, derogatory language, or use belittling term
2. Ridicule, mock, taunt, embarrass, humiliate, or shame any person, nor do
anything that might incite that person to violence.
Recommended Classification: The OPO is permitted to make a preliminary recommendation
on the classification of administrative cases.
The OPO recommends that this allegation receive a B classification.
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The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act.
Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request.