Formal complaint: De-escalation of potential force encounters and other policy violations
Complainant alleges an Austin police officer punched the complainant's 15-year-old child in the face after the child had been charged with assault. OPO recommends this complaint receive an A classification.
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GIVE
ADUPTA
OFFICE OF
POLICE OVERSIGHT
NOTICE OF FORMAL COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2021-0546
June 4, 2021
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received two complaints from two different
complainants regarding this same incident. The complaint alleges Officer
punched her 15-
year old son's face SO hard he almost knocked his eye out. This occurred at the
between
on
.
The complaint further alleges Officer
punched him after he had been charged with assault. The complaint references APD report
This notice of formal complaint is a request for Internal Affairs to initiate an investigation to
determine if the employee conduct is within compliance of APD policy, Civil Service Rules, and
Municipal Civil Service Rules.
Recommended Administrative Policies to Review (to include but not limited to):
200.2 DE-ESCALATION OF POTENTIAL FORCE ENCOUNTERS
When safe and reasonable under the totality of circumstances, officers shall use de-escalation
techniques to reduce the likelihood for force and increase the likelihood of voluntary compliance.
200.3.1 DETERMINING THE OBJECTIVE REASONABLENESS OF FORCE
Any interpretation of objective reasonableness about the amount of force that reasonably appears
to be necessary in a particular situation must allow for the fact that police officers are often forced
to make split-second decisions in circumstances that are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving, and
the amount of time available to evaluate and respond to changing circumstances may influence
their decisions. The question is whether the officer's actions are "objectively reasonable" in light
of the facts and circumstances confronting him.
317.1 HANDLING JUVENILES - PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this order is to provide guidance and direction for processing and handling juvenile
offenders within APD's jurisdiction. Juveniles are afforded equal protection under the law;
however, there are differences in the manner in which juveniles are handled under Texas law.
Employees are responsible for participating with and supporting the ideals set forth in Title 3 of
the Texas Family Code. These provisions are:
(c) To provide for the care, the protection, and the wholesome moral, mental, and physical
development of children coming within its provisions.
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to
communications will be provided upon request.
OF
CITY
QUARTER
OFFICE OF
POLICE OVERSIGHT
FOUNDED
NOTICE OF FORMAL COMPLAINT
Recommended Classification: The OPO is permitted to make a preliminary recommendation on
the classification of administrative cases.
The OPO recommends this complaint receive an A classification.
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to
communications will be provided upon request.