The role of police oversight in reimagining public safety in Austin
By: Office Of Police Oversight
Tags: Police Oversight, Public Safety, Community Engagement, Police Reform

The city of Austin’s skyline

In the last year, public scrutiny of policing in Austin, Texas has amplified.

During the summer of 2020, an overwhelming number of community members called for a transformation in policing. At peaceful protests and at city council meetings, Austin leaders heard pleas for greater accountability. In response, Austin City Council passed a series of resolutions to transform the relationship between the police and the community. More specifically, this initiative aims to tackle issues relating to the way police interact with historically marginalized communities in Austin.

These resolutions form the core of Reimagining Public Safety (RPS), the City of Austin’s multi-faceted approach for transforming public safety by calling for input from the community, a commitment from public safety employees and the support from City Council. The critical changes outlined by the resolutions include:

Reallocations of public safety budgets

Establishment of zero racial disparity goals in motor vehicle stops, arrests, and use of force

Improving police conduct policies

Identifying new approaches to police training

Implementing new resources for mental health response

These are just a few of the critical changes.

Because the Office of Police Oversight’s (OPO) point of reference is rooted in the community, rather than in law enforcement, we play a critical role in reimagining public safety and transforming policing in Austin.

Our role in reimagining public safety is to ensure that the policy reform process is inclusive and prioritizes community safety and quality of life. Civilian police oversight also offers the opportunity for lasting transformation through transparency and accountability.

OPO’s work to reveal patterns and provide recommendations for improvement are crucial steps toward rebuilding trust and confidence in our police department throughout our diverse communities. For example, one of the most common complaints reported to OPO is related to officer rudeness. Our recommendations to improve officer interactions with the community is as crucial as APD’s commitment to keeping the community safe.

Reimagining the police training academy curriculum

Throughout American history, communities of color have been negatively and disproportionately affected by over policing. And as research shows, communities of color continue to be adversely affected. Due to the contentious history of race and policing in the United States, the path to systemic change is long and must be built collaboratively.

As a start, we recommended that the Austin Police Department add the history of race and policing as part of the training academy curriculum. Cadets must understand how policing began, its connection to systemic racism, and the continual impact policing practices have on communities of color. We strongly believe that we must understand our past to improve our present and future, which will lead to a higher level of cultural competency in officers and improved understanding and relationship with communities of color.

How OPO will engage the community to reimagine public safety

While civilian police oversight has not always been included in the conversations about transforming public safety, we are now key stakeholders in this conversation about police reform. We will continue our work to ensure that community members are included and informed about the changes to how their communities are policed. You can expect the Office of Police Oversight to continue our work to facilitate the community’s involvement in public safety transformation in Austin by:

Asking for community feedback on our recommendations to improve Austin Police Department’s General Orders. These general orders govern police officer conduct and must align with community expectations and values. This will include use of force recommendations aligned with the 8 Can’t Wait campaign and policies that improve police officer conduct and professionalism.

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.

Hold various town halls on policing throughout various communities in Austin, including a town hall for people with disabilities scheduled for May 21, 2021. Check our page for upcoming events.

Continue publishing police oversight documents online including formal complaints and disciplinary documents.

Learn more about OPO’s work and follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.