August 1, 2024
OPO Policy Recommendation for Improvement to Austin Police Department’s (APD) General Order (GO) 362: Outside Agency Assistance and Joint Task Forces
In this memo, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) provides recommendations to the Austin Police Department’s General Order 362, which sets guidelines for working with other law enforcement agencies. OPO recommends that APD add specific language to the General Orders to ensure that laws and civil rights are protected when APD assists outside agencies.
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P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
CITY
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20P0
August 1, 2024
Robin Henderson, Interim Chief of Police
Austin Police Department
715 E. 8th Street
Austin, TX 78701
RE: OPO Policy Recommendation for Improvement to Austin Police Department's
(APD) General Order (GO) 362: Outside Agency Assistance and Joint Task Forces
Dear Chief Henderson:
A
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide feedback and recommendations for improvement
to the Austin Police Department's General Order policy:
362 - Outside Agency Assistance
On May 14, 2024, the Austin Police Department presented to the Austin City Council regarding
its mutual aid to The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) on April 24th and 29th, 2024.
The Austin City Council expressed numerous concerns about the City's civil liability and the
potential violation of protestors' First Amendment rights. It was made clear that the APD was only
there to "assist" with transporting arrestees as UTPD was the lead agency responsible for the
decision to arrest individuals. However, the City Attorney pointed out that the City of Austin is
still liable for any actions of APD regardless of whether or not they are acting as the lead agency
in a mutual aid situation. Council member Qadri, representing District 9, which includes the
University of Texas campus, specifically highlighted the lack of detail of the General Orders
regarding such situations.
We look forward to addressing the identified issue and improving policies to benefit the
community and APD's sworn personnel.
Sincerely,
Gail McCant, Director
Office of Police Oversight
1
OF
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
CITY
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
362 Outside Agency Assistance and Joint Task Forces
Recommendation #1:
OPO recommends that APD add specific language to the General Orders to ensure that
laws and civil rights are protected when APD assists outside agencies.
A
OUNDED
1839
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
CITY
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20P0
August 1, 2024
Robin Henderson, Interim Chief of Police
Austin Police Department
715 E. 8th Street
Austin, TX 78701
RE: OPO Policy Recommendation for Improvement to Austin Police Department's
(APD) General Order (GO) 362: Outside Agency Assistance and Joint Task Forces
Dear Chief Henderson:
A
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide feedback and recommendations for improvement
to the Austin Police Department's General Order policy:
362 - Outside Agency Assistance
On May 14, 2024, the Austin Police Department presented to the Austin City Council regarding
its mutual aid to The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) on April 24th and 29th, 2024.
The Austin City Council expressed numerous concerns about the City's civil liability and the
potential violation of protestors' First Amendment rights. It was made clear that the APD was only
there to "assist" with transporting arrestees as UTPD was the lead agency responsible for the
decision to arrest individuals. However, the City Attorney pointed out that the City of Austin is
still liable for any actions of APD regardless of whether or not they are acting as the lead agency
in a mutual aid situation. Council member Qadri, representing District 9, which includes the
University of Texas campus, specifically highlighted the lack of detail of the General Orders
regarding such situations.
We look forward to addressing the identified issue and improving policies to benefit the
community and APD's sworn personnel.
Sincerely,
Gail McCant, Director
Office of Police Oversight
1
OF
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
CITY
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
362 Outside Agency Assistance and Joint Task Forces
Recommendation #1:
OPO recommends that APD add specific language to the General Orders to ensure that
laws and civil rights are protected when APD assists outside agencies.
A
OUNDED
1839