About Austin Police Oversight
Our Mission
The mission of Austin Police Oversight 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.
What We Do
When people have concerns or complaints about potential police misconduct, those concerns need to be heard, investigated, and resolved. At Austin Police Oversight, everything we do is to promote an atmosphere of earned trust between Austinites and the Austin Police Department (APD). We do this by making it easy, accessible, and safe for Austinites to provide information and start the process. For example, we make sure that:
- There are several reporting options available (email, an online form, telephone, etc.).
- The process is not overwhelming or complex.
- People understand that they can choose to remain anonymous.
- The community understands what we do, how we do it, and how to reach us.
Our office also:
- Makes recommendations to the City Manager and to APD about individual incidents and investigations, as well as broader policy recommendations.
- Is committed to treating all parties — residents, APD, and the Austin Police Association (APA) — as stakeholders involved in an ongoing conversation. We seek to understand and learn from all perspectives.
Austin Police Oversight's authority and responsibilities are outlined below:
In May 2023, City of Austin voters passed the Austin Police Oversight Act that enshrined independent civilian police oversight into municipal code.
In September 2023, Austin City Council passed a resolution to strengthen oversight and increase transparency of police conduct.
In October 2024, the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association agreed to the terms of the labor agreement for Austin police officers.
In May 2023, City of Austin voters passed the Austin Police Oversight Act that enshrined independent civilian police oversight into municipal code.
In September 2023, Austin City Council passed a resolution to strengthen oversight and increase transparency of police conduct.
In October 2024, the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association agreed to the terms of the labor agreement for Austin police officers.