June 13, 2024
June 13, 2024 Working Group Meeting Slide Deck
This document contains the slide deck presentation used for the Police Oversight Implementation Working Group Meeting held on June 13, 2024.
The meeting recording can be viewed here.
Document
June 13, 2024 Working Group Meeting Slide Deck1.95 MBPDF Content
Disclaimer: The following text was extracted from the PDF file to make this document more accessible. This machine-generated content may contain styling errors due to redactions. In some instances, text may not load if the original file is a scanned image or has not been made searchable. For the full version of the document, please view the PDF.OF
CITY
FOUNDED
1839
OFFICE OF
POLICE OVERSIGHT
QUARTERLY
POLICE OVERSIGHT
IMPLEMENTATION
WORKGROUP
June 13, 2024 I 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
01
Welcome and Housekeeping
02
Welcome from OPO Director
03 Policy and Research Presentation
Agenda
04
Community Police Review Commission
05
Data Overview
06
Complaints Process Q&A
07
Closing
Access Instructions
For Interpretation
Para escuchar en español, marque: 512-856-7677
Show Subtitle
For Closed Captioning
View Full Transcript
To access closed captioning services, click the "CC"
Subtitle Settings
Closed captioning icon on the bottom of your screen.
CC
Record
Live Transcript
Reactions
To: Everyone
More
Type message here
How to Participate
Chat
Participate in the conversation by using
the chat or adding your question to the
?
Question & Answer function.
Q&A
Question & Answer
OPO is committed to creating and
sustaining a safe space that is
comfortable for all attendees.
By participating in this meeting, you consent to
the following guidelines:
We consent to this meeting being recorded
for public record.
We respect each other by listening when
others are speaking.
We respect each other by disagreeing
respectfully.
About the Office of Police Oversight
The mission of the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is to provide impartial oversight of the Austin
Police Department's conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, inform the public
to increase transparency and create sustainable partnerships throughout the community.
ACCOUNTABILITY
TRANSPARENCY
PARTNERSHIPS
Director's Message
Manages and directs the staff of the Office of Police Oversight.
Oversees the Austin Police Department's investigations of critical incidents
involving Austin police officers.
Works closely with the City Manager, the Austin Police Department's Chief of
Police, and Austin Police Department's Internal Affairs Division to ensure
accountability, transparency, and input from the community.
25+ years of experience in civil, human, employment, and housing rights
Certified Mediator
Gail McCant
Bachelor of Arts-Southern University, Baton Rouge (Liberal Studies/Communications)
Director
Responsibilities:
Research ongoing issues related to APD
Gather and synthesize national best
practices in policing
Analyze APD's General Orders policy,
Policy & Research
training, and procedures and offer
recommendations for improvement
Division
Sources of Work:
Complaint-generated
APD-initiated policy change
City Manager-generated
Other (based on OPO strategic plan, other
issues identified, etc.)
March 2024 Policy Recommendations
In March, OPO made numerous recommendations to improve APD policies.
Recommendations were made on the following APD policies:
Off-Duty Law Enforcement Actions (3 recommendations)
Tire Deflation Devices (3 recommendations)
Required Camera System(s) Use (2 recommendations)
Low Speed Intervention (4 recommendations)
OFF-DUTY LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
GENERAL ORDERS 364
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1.
Clarify the definition of off-duty
1. Expand the definition of "incident of
"incident of personal interest."
personal interest".
2.
Require reporting within a specified
2. Require a written memo to their
time frame.
supervisor.
3.
Require a written memo to their
supervisor, to be immediately
forwarded to Internal Affairs.
TIRE DEFLATION DEVICE
GENERAL ORDERS 214
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1. Remove confusing language in policy.
1. Revise language to clarify policy.
2. Address the safety of officers deploying
2. Add language to address the safety of
TDD.
deploying officers.
3. Rewrite Pre-Pursuit policy for clarity.
3. Revise Pre-Pursuit policy language.
.
WHEN CAMERA SYSTEM(S) USE IS REQUIRED
GENERAL ORDERS 303
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1.
Require BWC usage anytime an officer
1.
Require BWC usage anytime an officer
is providing a courtesy transport.
is providing a courtesy transport.
2.
Establish a separate courtesy transport
2.
Establish a separate courtesy transport
policy.
policy.
LOW-SPEED INTERVENTION
GENERAL ORDERS 214
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1. Clearly define "low speed" to avoid
1.
Currently working on a re-write of this
potential violations.
entire policy.
2. Implement practical application training
for LSIs.
3. Require officers to be Code 3 before LSI
impact to allow subject time to comply.
4. LSI policy should align with existing
pursuit termination tactics.
Responsibilities:
Research ongoing issues related to APD
Gather and synthesize national best
practices in policing
Analyze APD's General Orders policy,
training, and procedures and offer
Policy & Research
recommendations for improvement
Division
Sources of Work:
Complaint-generated
APD-initiated policy change
City Manager-generated
Other (based on OPO strategic plan, other
issues identified, etc.)
GENERAL ORDERS 364:
OFF-DUTY LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1.
Clarify definition of off-duty "incident
1. Expand the definition of "incident of
of personal interest."
personal interest".
2.
Require reporting within a specified
2. Require a written memo to their
time frame.
supervisor.
3.
Require a written memo to their
supervisor, to be immediately
forwarded to Internal Affairs.
GENERAL ORDERS 214.6.2:
TIRE DEFLATION DEVICE
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1. Remove confusing language in
1. Revise language to clarify policy.
policy.
2. Add language to address the safety of
2. Address the safety of officers
deploying officers.
deploying TDD.
3. Rewrite Pre-Pursuit policy for clarity.
3. Revise Pre-Pursuit policy language.
GENERAL ORDERS 214.6.4:
LOW-SPEED INTERVENTION
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1. Clearly define "low speed" to avoid
1.
Update policy language to align with
potential violations.
existing pursuit termination tactics.
2. Implement practical application
training for LSIs.
3. Require officers to be Code 3 before
LSI impact to allow subject time to
comply.
4. LSI policy should align with existing
pursuit termination tactics.
Community
Police Review
Commission
(CPRC)
CPRC Timeline
In
collaboration
with
the
City Manager's Office, the Clerk's Office and the Law Department, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is proposing a four-phase
process to establish the CPRC in alignment with City Code section 2-15-4, which was approved by voters as part of the Austin Police Oversight
Act.
October 2023: The Office of
April 2024: OPO sends a
June 2024: OPO sends
September 2024: OPO begins
the City Auditor certified 79 of
memo to the City Manager's
interest confirmation letters
commissioner training.
82 applications.
Office for approval of
to commission applicants.
commissioner selection
December 2024: Deadline for
process.
July 2024: Deadline for
commissioners to complete
commission applicants to
training.
May 2024: OPO receives
confirm interest.
approval of commissioner
selection process.
August 2024: City Manager
selects commissioners from
applicant pool.
I
II
III
IV
Complaints Data
Overview
OPO COMPLAINTS DIVISION
Organizational Chart
Gail McCant
Director
Complaints Supervisor
Administrative Specialist
Complaint Investigator
Complaint Investigator
Complaint Specialist
Complaint Specialist
Complaint Specialist
OPO Complaint Process
STEP 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
STEP 1: OPO RECEIVES COMPLAINT
OPO receives complaint, enters it into a shared database with APD.
OPO Complaint Process
Step 1
STEP 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
STEP 2: PRELIMINARY REVIEW
As of October 1, 2023, OPO conducts a preliminary review of all complaints.
During preliminary review, OPO independently reviews the complaint for potential policy violations.
OPO has direct and unfettered access to all APD databases, including but not limited to, body-worn
and dash camera footage, radio traffic, dispatch information, and GPS tracking data.
OPO Complaint Process
Step 1
Step 2
STEP 3
Step 4
Step 5
STEP 3: PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
OPO initiates a preliminary investigation if a policy violation is observed.
This includes contacting the complainant and any witnesses, conducting a detailed interview about
the allegation, and collecting evidence to support the allegation.
OPO will also attempt to complete an affidavit of fact from the complainant before forwarding the
complaint to APD for investigation.
OPO Complaint Process
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
STEP 4
Step 5
STEP 4: OPO OVERSEES INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATION
OPO oversees and participates in the Internal Affairs investigation from beginning to end.
OPO's complaint investigators independently review evidence, including information from APD databases
like body-worn camera footage and information submitted by complainants, witnesses, or subject officers.
OPO participates in Internal Affairs interviews with complainants, witnesses, and subject officers by
working with them to draft and ask questions.
Throughout the process, OPO's Complaint Division staff regularly communicates with the Internal Affairs
investigator assigned to the case to be notified about interviews or evidence collected during the
investigation.
OPO Complaint Process
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
STEP 5
STEP 5: OPO MAKES A RECOMMENDATION
At the end of the process, OPO's complaint investigators review the final investigative findings.
OPO will either concur with APD's findings or make an independent recommendation to the Chief of
Police or the Officer's Chain of Command regarding the classification of the policy violation or propose
discipline.
Data Overview: January-March 2024
January
February
March
Complaints/Concerns
63
69
78
Compliments
5
4
8
Total Contacts
68
73
86
Data Overview: January-March 2024
January
February
March
Preliminary Review
63
69
78
Conducted
Sworn Affidavit Submitted
3
5
3
Recommended for Full Internal
8
17
30
Affairs Investigation
Investigated by Internal Affairs
43
53
57
CLASS A
CLASS B
Include, but are not limited to policy
Include, but not limited to criminal
violations such as profanity,
conduct, serious policy violations, or
belittling language, inadequate
conduct that could damage the
police service, minor traffic
COMPLAINT
Police Department.
violations, negligent damage, or loss
of property.
CLASSIFICATIONS
CLASS C
CLASS D
* Complaints that Could Not Be Further
Investigated: OPO sometimes receives
complaints outside of our purview, for example,
Not policy violations, but the officer
Not policy violations because the
complaints against other law enforcement
might need training to handle the
evidence shows they are false.
situation better.
agencies, or other government agencies.
Data Overview: January-March 2024
January
February
March
Class A
0
1
0
Class B
0
0
0
Class
1
3
2
Class D
14
18
18
Complaints that Could Not
Be Further Investigated
3
2
4
Data Overview: January-March 2024
January
February
March
Total Anonymous
6
7
8
Disciplinary Recommendations
Made to Chief of Police
2
1
0
Policy Changes/General Orders
Amendments*
11
0
11
*Data provided by APD
Questions and
Answers
To: Everyone
More
Type message here
How to Participate
CHAT
Participate in the conversation by using
the chat, raising your hand or the Q&A
Reactions
option at the bottom of your screen.
Share Screen
Record
Reactions
RAISE HAND
Thank You for Attending
S
T
N
C
I
T
Y
H
A
L
Next meeting: August 2024
Follow us on Twitter or Facebook to stay informed!
opo.outreach@austintexas.gov
atxpoliceoversight.org
CITY
FOUNDED
1839
OFFICE OF
POLICE OVERSIGHT
QUARTERLY
POLICE OVERSIGHT
IMPLEMENTATION
WORKGROUP
June 13, 2024 I 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
01
Welcome and Housekeeping
02
Welcome from OPO Director
03 Policy and Research Presentation
Agenda
04
Community Police Review Commission
05
Data Overview
06
Complaints Process Q&A
07
Closing
Access Instructions
For Interpretation
Para escuchar en español, marque: 512-856-7677
Show Subtitle
For Closed Captioning
View Full Transcript
To access closed captioning services, click the "CC"
Subtitle Settings
Closed captioning icon on the bottom of your screen.
CC
Record
Live Transcript
Reactions
To: Everyone
More
Type message here
How to Participate
Chat
Participate in the conversation by using
the chat or adding your question to the
?
Question & Answer function.
Q&A
Question & Answer
OPO is committed to creating and
sustaining a safe space that is
comfortable for all attendees.
By participating in this meeting, you consent to
the following guidelines:
We consent to this meeting being recorded
for public record.
We respect each other by listening when
others are speaking.
We respect each other by disagreeing
respectfully.
About the Office of Police Oversight
The mission of the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is to provide impartial oversight of the Austin
Police Department's conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, inform the public
to increase transparency and create sustainable partnerships throughout the community.
ACCOUNTABILITY
TRANSPARENCY
PARTNERSHIPS
Director's Message
Manages and directs the staff of the Office of Police Oversight.
Oversees the Austin Police Department's investigations of critical incidents
involving Austin police officers.
Works closely with the City Manager, the Austin Police Department's Chief of
Police, and Austin Police Department's Internal Affairs Division to ensure
accountability, transparency, and input from the community.
25+ years of experience in civil, human, employment, and housing rights
Certified Mediator
Gail McCant
Bachelor of Arts-Southern University, Baton Rouge (Liberal Studies/Communications)
Director
Responsibilities:
Research ongoing issues related to APD
Gather and synthesize national best
practices in policing
Analyze APD's General Orders policy,
Policy & Research
training, and procedures and offer
recommendations for improvement
Division
Sources of Work:
Complaint-generated
APD-initiated policy change
City Manager-generated
Other (based on OPO strategic plan, other
issues identified, etc.)
March 2024 Policy Recommendations
In March, OPO made numerous recommendations to improve APD policies.
Recommendations were made on the following APD policies:
Off-Duty Law Enforcement Actions (3 recommendations)
Tire Deflation Devices (3 recommendations)
Required Camera System(s) Use (2 recommendations)
Low Speed Intervention (4 recommendations)
OFF-DUTY LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
GENERAL ORDERS 364
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1.
Clarify the definition of off-duty
1. Expand the definition of "incident of
"incident of personal interest."
personal interest".
2.
Require reporting within a specified
2. Require a written memo to their
time frame.
supervisor.
3.
Require a written memo to their
supervisor, to be immediately
forwarded to Internal Affairs.
TIRE DEFLATION DEVICE
GENERAL ORDERS 214
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1. Remove confusing language in policy.
1. Revise language to clarify policy.
2. Address the safety of officers deploying
2. Add language to address the safety of
TDD.
deploying officers.
3. Rewrite Pre-Pursuit policy for clarity.
3. Revise Pre-Pursuit policy language.
.
WHEN CAMERA SYSTEM(S) USE IS REQUIRED
GENERAL ORDERS 303
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1.
Require BWC usage anytime an officer
1.
Require BWC usage anytime an officer
is providing a courtesy transport.
is providing a courtesy transport.
2.
Establish a separate courtesy transport
2.
Establish a separate courtesy transport
policy.
policy.
LOW-SPEED INTERVENTION
GENERAL ORDERS 214
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1. Clearly define "low speed" to avoid
1.
Currently working on a re-write of this
potential violations.
entire policy.
2. Implement practical application training
for LSIs.
3. Require officers to be Code 3 before LSI
impact to allow subject time to comply.
4. LSI policy should align with existing
pursuit termination tactics.
Responsibilities:
Research ongoing issues related to APD
Gather and synthesize national best
practices in policing
Analyze APD's General Orders policy,
training, and procedures and offer
Policy & Research
recommendations for improvement
Division
Sources of Work:
Complaint-generated
APD-initiated policy change
City Manager-generated
Other (based on OPO strategic plan, other
issues identified, etc.)
GENERAL ORDERS 364:
OFF-DUTY LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1.
Clarify definition of off-duty "incident
1. Expand the definition of "incident of
of personal interest."
personal interest".
2.
Require reporting within a specified
2. Require a written memo to their
time frame.
supervisor.
3.
Require a written memo to their
supervisor, to be immediately
forwarded to Internal Affairs.
GENERAL ORDERS 214.6.2:
TIRE DEFLATION DEVICE
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1. Remove confusing language in
1. Revise language to clarify policy.
policy.
2. Add language to address the safety of
2. Address the safety of officers
deploying officers.
deploying TDD.
3. Rewrite Pre-Pursuit policy for clarity.
3. Revise Pre-Pursuit policy language.
GENERAL ORDERS 214.6.4:
LOW-SPEED INTERVENTION
OPO Recommendation
APD Response
1. Clearly define "low speed" to avoid
1.
Update policy language to align with
potential violations.
existing pursuit termination tactics.
2. Implement practical application
training for LSIs.
3. Require officers to be Code 3 before
LSI impact to allow subject time to
comply.
4. LSI policy should align with existing
pursuit termination tactics.
Community
Police Review
Commission
(CPRC)
CPRC Timeline
In
collaboration
with
the
City Manager's Office, the Clerk's Office and the Law Department, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is proposing a four-phase
process to establish the CPRC in alignment with City Code section 2-15-4, which was approved by voters as part of the Austin Police Oversight
Act.
October 2023: The Office of
April 2024: OPO sends a
June 2024: OPO sends
September 2024: OPO begins
the City Auditor certified 79 of
memo to the City Manager's
interest confirmation letters
commissioner training.
82 applications.
Office for approval of
to commission applicants.
commissioner selection
December 2024: Deadline for
process.
July 2024: Deadline for
commissioners to complete
commission applicants to
training.
May 2024: OPO receives
confirm interest.
approval of commissioner
selection process.
August 2024: City Manager
selects commissioners from
applicant pool.
I
II
III
IV
Complaints Data
Overview
OPO COMPLAINTS DIVISION
Organizational Chart
Gail McCant
Director
Complaints Supervisor
Administrative Specialist
Complaint Investigator
Complaint Investigator
Complaint Specialist
Complaint Specialist
Complaint Specialist
OPO Complaint Process
STEP 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
STEP 1: OPO RECEIVES COMPLAINT
OPO receives complaint, enters it into a shared database with APD.
OPO Complaint Process
Step 1
STEP 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
STEP 2: PRELIMINARY REVIEW
As of October 1, 2023, OPO conducts a preliminary review of all complaints.
During preliminary review, OPO independently reviews the complaint for potential policy violations.
OPO has direct and unfettered access to all APD databases, including but not limited to, body-worn
and dash camera footage, radio traffic, dispatch information, and GPS tracking data.
OPO Complaint Process
Step 1
Step 2
STEP 3
Step 4
Step 5
STEP 3: PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
OPO initiates a preliminary investigation if a policy violation is observed.
This includes contacting the complainant and any witnesses, conducting a detailed interview about
the allegation, and collecting evidence to support the allegation.
OPO will also attempt to complete an affidavit of fact from the complainant before forwarding the
complaint to APD for investigation.
OPO Complaint Process
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
STEP 4
Step 5
STEP 4: OPO OVERSEES INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATION
OPO oversees and participates in the Internal Affairs investigation from beginning to end.
OPO's complaint investigators independently review evidence, including information from APD databases
like body-worn camera footage and information submitted by complainants, witnesses, or subject officers.
OPO participates in Internal Affairs interviews with complainants, witnesses, and subject officers by
working with them to draft and ask questions.
Throughout the process, OPO's Complaint Division staff regularly communicates with the Internal Affairs
investigator assigned to the case to be notified about interviews or evidence collected during the
investigation.
OPO Complaint Process
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
STEP 5
STEP 5: OPO MAKES A RECOMMENDATION
At the end of the process, OPO's complaint investigators review the final investigative findings.
OPO will either concur with APD's findings or make an independent recommendation to the Chief of
Police or the Officer's Chain of Command regarding the classification of the policy violation or propose
discipline.
Data Overview: January-March 2024
January
February
March
Complaints/Concerns
63
69
78
Compliments
5
4
8
Total Contacts
68
73
86
Data Overview: January-March 2024
January
February
March
Preliminary Review
63
69
78
Conducted
Sworn Affidavit Submitted
3
5
3
Recommended for Full Internal
8
17
30
Affairs Investigation
Investigated by Internal Affairs
43
53
57
CLASS A
CLASS B
Include, but are not limited to policy
Include, but not limited to criminal
violations such as profanity,
conduct, serious policy violations, or
belittling language, inadequate
conduct that could damage the
police service, minor traffic
COMPLAINT
Police Department.
violations, negligent damage, or loss
of property.
CLASSIFICATIONS
CLASS C
CLASS D
* Complaints that Could Not Be Further
Investigated: OPO sometimes receives
complaints outside of our purview, for example,
Not policy violations, but the officer
Not policy violations because the
complaints against other law enforcement
might need training to handle the
evidence shows they are false.
situation better.
agencies, or other government agencies.
Data Overview: January-March 2024
January
February
March
Class A
0
1
0
Class B
0
0
0
Class
1
3
2
Class D
14
18
18
Complaints that Could Not
Be Further Investigated
3
2
4
Data Overview: January-March 2024
January
February
March
Total Anonymous
6
7
8
Disciplinary Recommendations
Made to Chief of Police
2
1
0
Policy Changes/General Orders
Amendments*
11
0
11
*Data provided by APD
Questions and
Answers
To: Everyone
More
Type message here
How to Participate
CHAT
Participate in the conversation by using
the chat, raising your hand or the Q&A
Reactions
option at the bottom of your screen.
Share Screen
Record
Reactions
RAISE HAND
Thank You for Attending
S
T
N
C
I
T
Y
H
A
L
Next meeting: August 2024
Follow us on Twitter or Facebook to stay informed!
opo.outreach@austintexas.gov
atxpoliceoversight.org