Formal complaints OPO processed on June 10: Purpose and scope—community policing and other policy violations
Complainants allege that Austin Police officers were aggressive to protesters, used excessive force (rubber bullets), which resulted in injuries to protesters and minors, and behaved unprofessionally. The OPO recommends these allegations receive an A classification.
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CITY
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
EMAIL: :POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 TTY: 711 I FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
1339
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-2676
Office of Police Oversight Formal Complaints: June 1 to June 10, 2020
Between May 29th, 2020 and June 10, 2020, The Office of Police Oversight was contacted 895 times
regarding complaints against the Austin Police Department.
107 by online form
387 by phone
401 by email
Of these, the Office of Police Oversight is recommending 227 complaints for formal investigation by the
Internal Affairs division of the Austin Police Department. The 227 formal complaints are representative of
606 individuals who contacted the Office of Police Oversight to file a complaint.
Due to the sheer volume of these complaints, the Office of Police Oversight has compiled complaints by
date.
June 1, 2020: 35
June 2, 2020: 45
June 3, 2020: 44
June 4, 2020: 33
June 5, 2020: 26
June 8, 2020: 13
June 9, 2020: 21
June 10, 2020: 10
Complaints are redacted to remove personal or identifying information. If you have any questions, please
email policeoversight@austintexas.gov.
OF
CITY
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
1839
ICMS #: 2020-0974
June 10, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received the following email from 252 complainants
stating the following:
"I am writing to demand an investigation be opened into firing the officers involved with
shooting
.
was receiving medical help from a professional at protest
when officers shot him in the head along with the medic that was administering help. The
officers involved in this incident need to be held accountable immediately and taken off
the streets of Austin. This requires action now.
Here is a link to a video of the incident and below are posts from the medic on site
recounting her direct experience:
https:
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
GIVE
AUSTIN
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
1839
ICMS #: 2020-0972
June 10, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an anonymous online complaint stating the
following:
"APD used entirely unnecessary force, as well as "less" (eye roll) lethal weapons on a
peaceful crowd of protestors i was in sunday afternoon. Firing chemical weapons that hurt
the lungs during a pandemic is absolutely disgraceful."
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.
CITY OF
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
ICMS #: 2020-0971
June 10, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an anonymous online complaint stating the
following:
"Officers dispatched by bus to
to meet protestors heading
on
on
between
used excessive force. Policed
particularly used less-lethal ammunition in a lethal manner, firing a foam bullet from less
than 12 feet away directly at a protestor that resulted in the need for limb-saving surgery.
After protestors backed up and retreated
,
police marched forward,
spraying pepper spray at any that remained and who had struggled to retreat due to the need
for medical attention. The young man who was shot directly in the arm with a less-lethal
projectile was
and there is definitely a need for an investigation on why less-
lethal projectiles would be shot from such a short distance, given the injuries they can cause
and their intended use to NOT be fired directly at individuals from a specific distance."
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.
CITY OF AUSTIN
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
ICMS #: 2020-0970
June 10, 2020
Complaint:
,
complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating the
following:
"It seems "less-lethal munition" is a name that gives the user an a false sense to release
rounds with less consequences to the human being that is the target. It can"t be "less lethal"
if it's fired at close range.
Please abolish the name and idea of "less-lethal munition".
Police need to be trained to withstand water bottles being thrown at them without reacting
with physical violence. Yes, it's terrible to have a water bottle thrown at you. It's terrible
to withstand someone physical attack. Please equip the APD with training in compassion,
training in patience. We need you to be super heros. We need our police to be more
courageous, benevolent, strong and wise than ever. How can we train them for this SO that
more people are not met with excessive force.
How do we abolish excessive force?"
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.
CITY OF AUSTER
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
1839
ICMS #: 2020-0964
June 10, 2020
Complaint: Ms.
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating
the following:
"This is an example of excessive use of force from the Austin Police Department. That
protestor was standing still, hands in his pocket, posing no threat. And he was sprayed at
point-blank range. Needless, senseless use of force.
You absolutely have to act on this type of behavior. This will not be tolerated. Please do
your job and ensure that this sort of bullying is never tolerated."
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
KUMA
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0962
June 10, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received the following email from the 131 signed
complainants listed below:
"Dear Austin's Elected Officials and Leaders,
A message from
S Classmates:
Levi Ayala, who is starting his junior year this upcoming fall in KIPP Austin Brave High
School, is just like any other teenagers. He recently turned 16 on May 26th and was excited
to
begin working at Jersey Mikes. With the money he earned, he wanted to save up to buy his first
car, all alone without the help of others. He always ed about wanting to drive his car all around
Austin playing his favorite music DJ Screw, Dr Octagon, Eminem, Pink Floyd and The Killers.
is the student and classmate that truly stands out from everyone else. Since middle school,
he was known to be a free thinker. Always opinionated, independent, extremely intelligent. He
loved to have discussions with teachers whenever his beliefs were different from the ones our
teachers had. That is the
we know, the
we grew up with and love. A person, not just a
name appearing on TV and social media. He is a friend and classmate, a person who has feelings,
opinions, and rights just like everyone else in this country.
is a victim of police brutality
in Austin, Texas.
Anger, frustration and disbelief. These were only 3 of the many emotions we felt when we found
out our fellow classmate was now one of the many people who have gotten injured for being
present at what was supposed to be a "peaceful protest." Many people, his classmates like us
included, have yet to process their emotions about the whole situation. We feel powerless. There
is no justification for harming someone who was not acting violent. Why does this senseless
violence by the police continue? Why can't people be compassionate towards people of color?
They're just fighting for their right to LIVE. Is that SO bad? It is no secret people of color have
been seen as "threats" to the police force for many years, but especially now, many people of color
claim to be scared to step out of their homes because they will not come back due to the increase
of police brutality. There are parents teaching their children of color what to do in case they
encounter a police officer. They are told to keep their hands in eyesight and not to run. But why
should any kid be told they have to protect themselves from the police? The police force is
supposed to be here to "protect and serve us," but it feels as if they are against us, their community.
Everybody has the freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and the ability to petition
the government, but many people in the Austin community and nationwide prefer to remain silent
and stay away from protests, due to numerous incidents like
was glad to be
working, happy to be independent, like any other 16 year old would be. Like us. Like your sons,
daughters, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren. He wasn't even protesting, yet he still got shot. He
was observing the crowd. He was not a threat to an officer's safety, yet they shot him. This is
unjustifiable. This is police brutality, one of the many diseases in America. We just hoped it would
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
AUSTIN
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
never reach our community, but it did. And what difference would it make if he was protesting?
Would he still have been a target? This was a peaceful protest.
Throughout the last couple of days, we have seen our nation confront the issue of police brutality,
flooding social media and the news. Like many Americans, however, it's hard to understand the
effect of police brutality until it touches your own community. The majority of us were not affected
until
became a victim of it. We want justice for
,
and responsibility to be taken fairly
and collectively. As a community, we have compiled a list of actions to seek justice. First, the
officer, or officers, who shot
must be held accountable for their actions. In order to hold
officers accountable, we believe APD should terminate their role as an officer, and the District
Attorney's office should press appropriate charges. Secondly, moving forward, for the sake of the
community, using weapons such as: bean bags, projectiles, or rubber bullets, should be eliminated.
If this protocol was already in place, people like
who are standing innocently, away from
the crowd, would have never been brutally injured. Lastly, we hope that police officers are trained
to attend to public safety, rather than police with violent authority. If the Austin Police Department
wants reform, they must no longer act as paramilitary enforcers, instead they must seek to help
and heal. It is painful for us to keep seeing our peers seriously injured, then left unattended.
As students, as community members, and as humans, we demand responsibility for these inhumane
actions. The goal of our propositions in the letter are fo
d students like us not to be
fearful in the presence of police officers. story was one of the many regarding police
brutality, and we want to bring progress to all affected and demand change. We, the community,
demand and expect that police officers keep us safe instead of harming innocent people. We are
tired of seeing our peers be brutally injured by officers, who claim to be protecting us. If you, our
leaders, don't make those changes, who will?"
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.
GINT OF AUSTIN
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
1839
ICMS #: 2020-0959
June 10, 2020
Complaint: Ms.
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating the
following:
"I am extremely concerned by the recent violence exhibited by Austin police toward
peaceful protesters. Rubber bullets should NEVER be used on citizens, and pepper-
spraying protesters is not appropriate. This type of response is indicative of a larger
problematic culture within Austin PD. Going forward, I expect that Police Oversight will
make recommendations to the City Manager and APD regarding 1) enacting AND
ENFORCING deescalation trainings and policies, and 2) revising their approach toward
protesters. I expect better from the capitol city."
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
DELY
TURN
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0958
June 10, 2020
Complaint: Mr.
complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating the
following:
"I can't imagine how busy you are and appreciate your time during this dual crisis.
Firstly, I'd like to acknowledge the extreme difficulties that police officers face on
a daily basis. Their job is most challenging, especially during these tumultuous
times and I have the utmost respect for law enforcement agents who uphold moral
and ethical standards for the greater good of all citizens.
The reason I am contacting you is in regard to the incident that took place in April
involving Officer
What is being done to ensure the investigation surrounding Mike Ramos's death?
Is there a third party investigating along with Texas Rangers and Internal Affairs?
How can we ensure the unbiases in their analysis and untarnished evidence?
Why is he still working while the investigation was underway?
I'd also like to bring up the most recent events surrounding the BLM protest this
week. There are numerous examples of police using excessive force on peaceful
protesters from countless sources. From headshots with rubber bullets and bean
bags to using mace on a man at point-blank range who had his hands in his pockets
posing no threat to the officers.
What can be done when the guilty parties have their identities hidden?
How much training do officers receive for handling rubber bullets? Are headshots
recommended or are they trained properly - to bounce the bullets off the ground as
they were intended to be used?
What is being done to the officers responsible for injuring citizens that were merely
practicing their 1st Amendment rights?
Why shouldn't I vote to allocate funding away from the police department when
they pose more threat than a benefit for the city.
Austin is better than this."
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
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
ICMS #: 2020-0950
June 10, 2020
Complaint: Mr.
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating
the following:
"Like many Austinites and Americans, I am a strong believer in what has been going on
the last couple of weeks since the murder of George Floyd. Like SO many others, I have
been scrolling social media, reading stories of joy and hope for the fight against police
brutality. Alas, I read a very disturbing post the other day from one of our fellow
community members regarding an Officer
).
This citizen posted a pic of him smugly standing in the battalion line assigned to regulating
the peaceful protests in Austin. The poster then goes on to tell one of the most horrific
stories of this deplorable human being and how he maced/sprayed the poster and two other
women standing on either side of her, one of which was an 14-year-old girl. She describes
his smile as he watched them writhe in pain, wondering why someone who has sworn to
protect people and PROTECT the right to protest peacefully by the Constitution, would do
such a thing.
Why has he not been fired already? Is it not obvious to you all that these types of men and
women are the reason we are all here in the first place? My guess is that he is a bully on
the force and has been for quite some time.
Fire this man. I am going to post this note to Facebook, as well, in hopes that something
is actually going to be done about this jackass."
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
AUSTIN
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
1839
ICMS #: 2020-0953
June 10, 2020
Complaint: The Office of Police Oversight received an anonymous complaint about
stating that it is completely uncalled for what happened to him. The use of so-called non-lethal
force against an innocent bystander is unacceptable. The person who fired that shot needs to be
put to justice. The complainant additionally shared that they are a critical care provider working
hard SO that people, including the police, don't get sick with COVID. The complainant further
stated that it would be easy for the police to join hands with the protesters and listen to what they're
saying.
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
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
FOUNDED
ICMS #: 2020-0950
June 10, 2020
Complaint: Mr.
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating
the following:
"Like many Austinites and Americans, I am a strong believer in what has been going on
the last couple of weeks since the murder of George Floyd. Like SO many others, I have
been scrolling social media, reading stories of joy and hope for the fight against police
brutality. Alas, I read a very disturbing post the other day from one of our fellow
community members regarding an Officer
).
This citizen posted a pic of him smugly standing in the battalion line assigned to regulating
the peaceful protests in Austin. The poster then goes on to tell one of the most horrific
stories of this deplorable human being and how he maced/sprayed the poster and two other
women standing on either side of her, one of which was an 14-year-old girl. She describes
his smile as he watched them writhe in pain, wondering why someone who has sworn to
protect people and PROTECT the right to protest peacefully by the Constitution, would do
such a thing.
Why has he not been fired already? Is it not obvious to you all that these types of men and
women are the reason we are all here in the first place? My guess is that he is a bully on
the force and has been for quite some time.
Fire this man. I am going to post this note to Facebook, as well, in hopes that something
is actually going to be done about this jackass."
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
GIVE
AUSTIN
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
Complaint: This notice of formal complaint is a request for Internal Affairs to initiate an
investigation in order 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):
105 PURPOSE AND SCOPE - COMMUNITY POLICING
The purpose of this general order is to identify the tenets of Community Policing, which serves
as the basis for this Department's mission and guiding principles. Community Policing is beyond
a philosophy, it is a practice. The Austin Police Department is committed to Community Policing
which strives to build mutual respect, collaborative partnerships, fair and impartial policing, and
procedurally just behavior with the community that we serve. The Department's goal is to have
an understanding of the traditions, culture, and history of the neighborhoods in which they serve
in order to develop proactive solutions to problems and increase overall trust in policing.
Likewise, the Department is required to provide information and training to the community SO
community members gain an understanding of police practices and procedures, as well as an
understanding of the traditions and culture of law enforcement.
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.
Nothing in this de-escalation policy requires an officer to place themselves in harm's way to
attempt to de-escalate a situation. Recognizing that circumstances may rapidly change, officers
may need to abandon de-escalation efforts after they have commenced. Understanding that no
policy can realistically predict every situation an officer might encounter, the Department
recognizes that each officer must be entrusted with well-reasoned discretion in determining the
reasonable de-escalation techniques to use in a situation. This de-escalation policy is intended to
complement, not replace or supersede, other portions of the APD Policy Manual or specific
officer training that addresses de-escalation.
200.2.1 ASSESSENT AND DE-ESCALATION
As officers arrive on the scene, observe conditions, and interact with the persons there, they
should continue to gather additional relevant information and facts. These assessments, along
with reasonable inferences help to develop an understanding of the totality of the circumstances
of the incident.
200.3 RESPONSE TO RESISTANCE
While the type and extent of force may vary, it is the policy of this department that officers use
only that amount of objectively reasonable force which appears necessary under the
circumstances to successfully accomplish the legitimate law enforcement purpose in accordance
with this order.
200.3.1 DETERMINING THE OBJECTIVE REASONABLENESS OF FORCE
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
AUSTIN
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
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.
206.4 CHEMICAL AGENT GUIDELINES
Chemical agents are devices used to minimize the potential for injury to employees, offenders,
or other subjects. They should be used only in situations where such force reasonably appears
necessary.
206.4.3 TREATMENT FOR CHEMICAL AGENT EXPOSURE
Subjects who have been affected by the use of chemical agents should be afforded means of
cleansing the affected areas as soon as practicable. Those subjects who complain of further
severe effects shall be afforded a medical examination by competent medical personnel.
206.5.5 SHOT PLACEMENT AND DEPLOYMENT DISTANCES
Officers should generally follow their training instructions regarding minimum deployment
distances and target areas. The need to immediately incapacitate the subject must be weighed
against the risk of causing serious injury or death.
The head and neck should not be intentionally targeted, however any target area or distance may
be considered when it reasonably appears necessary to accomplish immediate incapacitation in
order to prevent serious injury or death to officers or others.
300.3 CROWDS, EVENTS AND GATHERINGS
Officers may encounter gatherings of people, including but not limited to, civil demonstrations,
civic, social and business events, public displays, parades and sporting events. Officers should
monitor such events as time permits in an effort to keep the peace and protect the safety and
rights of those present. A patrol supervisor should be notified when it becomes reasonably
foreseeable that such an event may require increased monitoring, contact or intervention.
Officers responding to an event or gathering that warrants law enforcement involvement should
carefully balance the speech and association rights of those present with applicable public safety
concerns before taking enforcement action. Officers are encouraged to contact organizers or
responsible persons to seek voluntary compliance that may address relevant public safety/order
concerns.
Officers should consider enforcement of applicable state and local laws, such as Tex. Penal Code
§ 42.03 (Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway), when the activity blocks the entrance or
egress of a facility or location and when voluntary compliance with the law is not achieved.
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
AUSTIN
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
301.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE - RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMUNITY
All persons deserve protection by fair and impartial law enforcement and should be able to
expect similar police response to their behavior wherever it occurs. Employees will serve the
public through direction, counseling, assistance, and protection of life and property. Employees
will be held accountable for the manner in which they exercise the authority of their office or
position. Employees will respect the rights of individuals and perform their services with
honesty, sincerity, courage, and sound judgment.
301.2 IMPARTIAL ATTITUDE AND COURTESY
Employees are expected to act professionally, treat all persons fairly and equally, and perform
all duties impartially, objectively, and equitably without regard to personal feelings, animosities,
friendships, financial status, sex, creed, color, race, religion, age, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, gender identity or gender expression or social or ethnic background.
301.3 CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
APD constantly works to establish direct contacts with the community we serve. Without
grassroots community support, successful enforcement of many laws may be difficult, if not
impossible. Community involvement can be an effective means of eliciting public support, can
serve to identify problems in the making, and may foster cooperative efforts in resolving
community issues. Input from the community can also help ensure that agency general orders
accurately reflect the needs of the community.
302.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE - PUBLIC RECORDING OF OFFICIAL ACTS
The Austin Police Department recognizes that members of the general public have a First
Amendment right to video record. photograph, and/or audio record APD officers while they are
conducting official business or while acting in an official capacity in any public space, unless
such recordings interfere with police activity.
326.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE - NEWS AND MEDIA RELATIONS
The purpose of this order is to seek a balance between permitting the free flow of information to
the public and the media while protecting both the prosecution's case and the rights of the
accused from possible prejudicial publicity. Public information and positive media relations are
an integral part of the operation of any public service agency and APD is no exception. Most
citizens have little contact with law enforcement and their opinions of the police are often
formed by our Department's portrayal in the media. The release of public information and
maintenance of good media relations is a crucial element of APD's mission. Employees must
maintain a good rapport with the public and the media and deal with them in a courteous manner.
The media has a legitimate function in our society and the public trust of the police can be
enhanced through media relations.
APD is committed to informing the community and members of the news media of events that
are handled by, or involve, the Department. Employees will cooperate fully in meeting the
relevant information needs of the public and the news media. Every reasonable effort should be
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.
GIVE OF
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
made to obtain requested information, SO long as the release of that information conforms to
federal and state laws, and follows established Department guidelines.
328.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE - RACIAL OR BIAS-BASED PROFILING
This order provides guidance to department members and establishes appropriate controls to
ensure that members of the Austin Police Department do not engage in racial or bias-based
profiling or violate any related laws while serving the community.
328.2 POLICY - RACIAL OR BIAS-BASED PROFILING
The Department strives to provide law enforcement services to our diverse community while
respecting the racial, cultural, or other differences of those we serve. It is the policy and practice
of the Department to provide law enforcement services and to enforce the law equally, fairly, and
without discrimination toward any individual or group.
Race, ethnicity or nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, economic status, age, cultural
group, disability, or affiliation with any other similar identifiable group shall not be used as the
basis for providing differing levels of law enforcement service or the enforcement of the law.
While the practice of racial or bias-based profiling is strictly prohibited, it is recognized that race
or cultural differences may be legitimately considered by an officer in combination with other
legitimate factors; to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause (e.g., subject description
is limited to a specific race or group), to establish relevant elements of a crime (e.g. exploitation
of an elderly or disabled individual), or to gather evidence relevant to enhanced punishment due
to offenses committed because of bias or prejudice.
900.1.1 RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW AND COMPLY
The rules of conduct set forth in this order do not serve as an all-inclusive list of requirements,
limitations, or prohibitions on employee conduct and activities; employees are required to know
and comply with all Department policies, procedures, and written directives.
900.3.2 ACTS BRINGING DISCREDIT UPON THE DEPARTMENT
Since the conduct of personnel both on-duty or off-duty may reflect directly upon the
Department, employees must conduct themselves at all times in a manner which does not bring
reproach, discredit, or embarrassment to the Department or to the City.
900.3.4 PERSONAL CONDUCT
(c) While on-duty or on the premises of City facilities, employees will not:
2. Ridicule, mock, taunt, embarrass, humiliate, or shame any person, nor do
anything that might incite that person to violence.
Recommended Classification: The OPO is permitted to make a preliminary recommendation
on the classification of administrative cases.
The OPO recommends that this allegation 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.