The mission of Internal Affairs is to review officer involved critical incidents and investigate complaints received on sworn and non-sworn employees of the Austin Police Department. Critical incidents include officer involved shootings, pursuits resulting in serious injury, or any incident resulting in serious injury or death of a person, regardless of any allegations of misconduct.
In addition, all complaints of misconduct, whether received from residents or Department employees, are thoroughly investigated by Internal Affairs to ensure the integrity of the Austin Police Department.
- Protection of the Public The residents of Austin have the right to receive fair, efficient and impartial law enforcement. Any misconduct by department employees must first be detected, then thoroughly investigated, and finally, properly adjudicated to assure the highest standards of conduct.
- Protection of the Department The Austin Police Department is often judged by the conduct of its individual employees. It is imperative that the whole organization not be criticized because of the misconduct of a few. An informed public must have confidence that its police department honestly and fairly investigates and adjudicates all allegations of misconduct against its employees.
- Protection of the Employee Employees must be protected against false and misinformed allegations of misconduct. This can only be accomplished through a consistently thorough investigative process.