Health and Safety Curriculum Recommendations
The Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is collaborating with the Educational Development Unit of the Austin Police Department (APD) to enhance the academy's curriculum. The OPO recommends changes to APD's Health and Safety Code curriculum, recommending the removal of specific unprofessional presentation slides from the Basic Peace Officer Course materials, as they undermine the professionalism of the training and reinforce negative stereotypes. OPO also believes it is crucial that the training include explanations beyond guilt or intoxication for nervous behaviors during interactions with law enforcement.