Memo: Response to Proposed and Approved Changes to the General Orders Received April 2021

OF
CHICK
AUSTIN
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
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
June 15, 2021
Joseph Chacon, Interim Chief of Police
Austin Police Department
715 E. 8th Street
Austin, TX 78701
RE: Response to Proposed and Approved Changes to the General Orders Received April 2021
Dear Chief Chacon:
On April 19, 2021, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) received notification of approved changes to the Austin
Police Department (APD) General Orders related to the following:
1. 350.2.2 Driving a Non-City Vehicle
2. 405.2.5 Arrest Warrant Service
3. 609.2 Language Interpreter Service
4. 804.5 Red Light Camera Citation
5. 902.2.3 Externally Initiated Complaints
6.
916.5 Reasonable Suspicion Testing for Sworn Employees
7. 942.8 Training Procedures
8. 958.3.1 RTW for Sworn Employees
9. 1000.5 Department Hardware and Software
10. 1002.4 Standardized Email Settings
11. 118.7.2 Destruction of CHRI
12. 206.5.2 Kinetic Energy Projectiles Verbal Warnings
13. 206.6 Pain Compliance Techniques
14. 208.7.1 Taser Proper Maintenance
15. 300.3.1 Use of Long Range Acoustic Device
16. 303.4.2 Copies of BWC Recordings
17. 306.5 Consent
18. 319.2.1 Warrant Service Guidelines
19. 346.6.1 Crash Required Reporting
20. 350 Vehicle Towing and Impound
On April 23, 2021, OPO received notification of proposed changes to the APD General Orders related to the
following:
1. 202 Firearm Discharge Situations
2. 445 Mental Health Response
3. 902.3.1 Complaint Classification and Investigative Assignment Table
4. 211 Response to Resistance Inquiry Reporting and Review
5. 212 R2R Audit Group
1
OF
AUSTIN
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
1839
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
OPO has reviewed the approved and proposed changes. Attached to this memorandum you will find OPO's initial
feedback on those changes, specifically the areas for which there remains room for improvement.
We look forward to working collaboratively with APD to address the issues identified by OPO to improve these
policies to benefit the community and APD's sworn personnel.
Sincerely,
Farah C. Muscadin, JD
Director
F
OUNDED
1839
2
OF
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
GIN
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
OPO Response to Proposed GO Changes
202 Firearm Discharge Situations (Amendments)
Notifications to Internal Affairs
The proposed revisions to 202.9.1 and 202.9.2 would require notification to Internal Affairs "immediately or as
soon as practical." The phrase "as soon as practical" is vague and contradicts the use of the word "immediately."
This provision should be revised to give a specific timeframe within which Internal Affairs must be notified. The
policy will be more effective if officers are given clear expectations.
Factors Considered in Placing Officers on Restricted Duty
Revisions to 202.9.1 and 209.2.2 would permit employees to be placed on restricted duty for unintentional
discharge of a firearm while not in training and when there is no injury or the injury is only to self. The revision
does not include additional details about the factors that decision-makers would consider before placing an
officer on restricted duty in such a situation. Additional information about this process should be provided.
Language in 202.9.2(c) is unclear
The language of 202.9.2(c) is unclear, particularly as it relates to the circumstances under which (C)(1)-(3) would
apply versus when (c)(4) would apply.
445 Mental Health Response (Amendments)
Revisions related to this General Order should take into account the recommendations from the Reimagining
Public Safety (RPS) Task Force as well as community feedback gathered during the recent town hall event, "Town
Hall on Public Safety: People with Disabilities and Policing," hosted by OPO, the Mayor's Office, the Equity Office,
and the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities. This event centered the voices of individuals with lived
experiences and their lived experiences with public safety in Austin. Some of the feedback shared during this
event was also related to mental health. Such feedback should be considered during the formulation of any new
policy language.
Specific requests for mental health officers
N
The proposed revisions would state that "[p]atrol officers receiving a mental health request for assistance from a
complainant will refer the individual to an on-duty CIT officer, the CIT Unit, or EMCOT."
Language should be added to specifically state that patrol officers receiving a request for a "mental health
officer" should follow these same procedures. While patrol officers may have completed mental health training
through the academy, they should take requests for "mental health officers" to be specific requests for CIT
officers, the IT Unit, or EMCOT as applicable.
De-escalation tactics for responding officers remaining on scene
Subsection (a) should discuss de-escalation. Responding officers who remain on the scene to wait for CIT should
utilize de-escalation techniques and tactics to help prevent the use of force and keep the scene safe until
additional units arrive.
3
OF
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
CHILL
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
Factors to be considered in determining whether EMCOT should be called
The proposed revisions state that an EMCOT employee will be called to the scene to assist when deemed
necessary by an officer or the CIT Unit. Language should be added to outline the factors that officers should
consider in making this determination, or the policy should refer back to 445.2 as examples.
Documenting efforts to contact Integral Care or Bluebonnet Community Services
The proposed revisions direct CIT officers to contact Integral Care (Travis County transports) or Bluebonnet
Community Services (Williamson County transports) when determining where to transport someone on a Peace
Officer's Emergency Detention. If officers cannot make contact with these providers, then officers can transport
to the nearest appropriate Travis County Hospital Emergency Department.
Language should be added to require CIT officers to document their efforts to contact Integral Care or
Bluebonnet Community Services in an incident report.
The use of "Emergency Detention" to refer to a person being detained under POED
The current language of subsection (b)(1)(b)(3) appears to refer to the person being transported or detained
under POED as "the Emergency Detention." This language is inconsistent with other references in this section
(i.e., subject). Further, as with the term "subject," referring to someone as "the Emergency Detention" tends to
dehumanize the person being discussed. Language should be changed to refer to "person" or "individual."
Secondary transports
This was among the many issues discussed during the recent town hall event. Revisions related to secondary
transports should consider and apply community feedback from the Town Hall on Public Safety: People with
Disabilities and Policing. Revisions should also align with relevant RPS Task Force recommendations.
902.3.1 Complaint Classification and Investigative Assignment Table
Supervisor Referral-Minor Policy Violation
OPO does not support the continued use of SR-Minor Policy Violations as a complaint classification.
Background
Early last year, OPO voiced concerns about the potential for this classification to be abused by officers'
supervisors. Our departments were still discussing these concerns when the chief preempted those conversations
and approved the use of SR-Minor Policy Violations. See the OPO memo here.
Current Use of SR-Minor Policy Violations
OPO's main concerns about SR-Minor Policy Violations were related to accountability. Specifically, OPO was
concerned that supervisors would define "minor" in ways that would surpass even the most extreme
interpretation, and that SR-Minor Policy Violations would become the default and a means of repeatedly avoiding
4
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
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
formal discipline. For example, APD has repeatedly not investigated potential violations related to body-worn
camera (BWC). As stated in our objection from last year, BWC is a vital component of transparency and
accountability to members of our community. See OPO's objection here.
In the past year, OPO has seen these exact issues develop. What follows are just a few examples of the ways in
which SR-Minor Policy Violations have been or could potentially be misused:
Example 1: Internal Affairs found additional potential policy violations during its review of an external
complaint. Rather than investigating these potential policy violations, and keeping them under the
same number, IA (at the direction of Executive Staff) created a new case number and gave the
officers SR-Minor Policy Violations. There was no communication with OPO regarding this outcome.
Example 2: Initially, the proposed discipline for the subject officer was going to be an SR-Minor Policy
Violation even though the officer had already received an SR-MPV for the same policy. When OPO
objected, the response was that SR-MPVs are not listed in an officer's discipline history. As a result, it
makes it possible for commanders to apply discipline inconsistently.
Additionally, APD has yet to respond to OPO's February 24, 2021 memo on this issue. In the memo, OPO flagged
nine complaints from 2021 in which the SR-MPV process was used to resolve allegations that OPO maintains
were not minor in nature. Four of those nine complaints involved body-worn camera or dashboard camera
allegations. The other five allegations involved a family violence arrest, vehicle operation in response to a call for
service, TASER use, personal conduct, and impartial attitude and courtesy. OPO has yet to receive a response to
this memo.
Recommendations and Willingness to Engage in Further Discussion
Given the forms and frequency of misuse that we have seen in the year that SR-Minor Policy Violations have been
in effect, OPO objects to their continued use.
OPO is open to reengaging in productive discussions to come up with an effective alternative to handling
allegations between B and D classifications.
Supervisor Referral-OPO Request
OPO recommends changing some of the policy language.
Recommendations
-
Remove the word "affidavit" to describe Notices of Formal Complaint
This is not an accurate description. OPO's Notices of Formal Complaint are not affidavits.
Nor is an affidavit required to submit a complaint to the Office of Police Oversight.
-
Replace the word "citizen" with "community member"
The word citizen is a non-inclusive term. It is the goal of both of our departments to be as
respectful as possible to all members of our community.
-
Take out "informal" in the right-hand column
5
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
1839
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20P0
There is a lack of consistency between right and left columns. In the left-hand column,
SR-OPO Requests are described as "complaints," but in the right-hand column, they're
described as informal complaints.
211 Response to Resistance Inquiry Reporting and Review
The City of Austin hired Kroll Associates, Inc. to conduct a multi-pronged investigation of the extent to which
forms of racism, bigotry, and discrimination are present in the protocols, practices, and behaviors of the Austin
Police Department. This investigation includes, among other things, a review of use-of-force incident reports.
Revisions to this General Order should be revisited once recommendations from Kroll Associates, Inc. become
available.
F
A
Explicit mention of chokeholds and strangleholds
The current language of 211.2 Determining the Correct Force Level describes the four force levels and outlines
specific maneuvers or actions that fall under each level. The policy should be revised to specifically discuss and
categorize chokeholds and strangleholds.
Referrals to IA
The current language of 211.6.2 states that "[a] referral to IA may be initiated if SIU or the chain-of-command
discovers credible evidence of a General Orders violation during their review of a Level 1 force incident." Here,
the word "may" should be changed to "shall" or "must" to make it clear that the discovery of credible evidence
mandates referral to IA.
Synchronous testing of BWC and/or DMAV equipment
Language should be added to 211.6.1, 211.7.1, and 211.8 to require employees conducting R2R interviews to
confirm that their BWC and/or DMAV system is working (e.g., by performing a synchronous test of the equipment
or some other method of verification).
212 R2R Audit Group
Revisions to this General Order should be revisited once recommendations from Kroll Associates, Inc. become
available.
Subsequent review after implementation
The current language includes details about how the R2R Audit Group will handle Department-related
recommendations up to the point of implementation. The policy and operations could be improved by
completing a review of any changes made after implementation. For example, the Chairperson could be tasked
with reviewing any changes implemented at the three-month mark, six-month mark, etc.
6
OF
CITY
AUSTIN
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
OFFICE OF
WWW.ATXPOLICEOVERSIGHT.ORG
POLICEOVERSIGHT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV
POLICE OVERSIGHT
PHONE: 512.974.9090 | TTY: 711 | FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
1839
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20P0
OPO Response to Approved GO Changes
350.2.2 Driving a Non-City Vehicle (Amendments)
No immediate comments.
405.2.5 Arrest Warrant Service (Amendments)
No immediate comments.
F
A
609.2 Language Interpreter Service (Amendments)
Should VS. shall
Per GO 106.2.3(4)(b), "[t]he word "should" is advisory in intent. While not mandatory, an advised action should
be followed if the situation permits and the action is deemed practical."
Per 106.2.3(4)(a), "[t]he words "shall", "will", and "must" are mandatory in intent and are used to specify a
required action."
Given the importance of making services accessible to all members of the community, and the potential
consequences of officers not being able to accurately communicate or understand what is being communicated
to them, the word "should" ought to be replaced with the words "shall," "must," or "will" to indicate mandatory
intent.
Define "Spanish-speaking officer"
The term "Spanish-speaking officer" should be defined to clarify that this is a reference to officers who are fluent
in Spanish and not officers who have only taken Spanish courses offered at the Academy.
Provide factors to be considered in assessing when an interpreter is needed
Because this current policy is framed in the negative and officers receive some Spanish language training at the
Academy, it is important that the policy list factors for officers to consider in determining whether an interpreter
is needed.
"Other means"
Currently, the policy provides that the Language Interpreter Service should not be used "when other means are
available, unless this would jeopardize the investigation." The phrase "when other means are available" should
be replaced with "when a Spanish-speaking officer is available."
Currently, "other means" is not defined. The lack of definition leaves open the possibility that Spanish-speaking
community members (including adult or juvenile family members) could be asked to interpret for a Spanish-
7
OF
AUSTIN
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
CHIL
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
speaking individual who contacted police or who police suspect of a crime. Officers should not rely on
bystanders, friends, or family members to interpret on behalf of a Spanish-speaking individual with whom they
are interacting. First, officers will not have knowledge of the community member's level of proficiency in Spanish.
Second, the fact that someone speaks or understand Spanish does not mean that they can interpret;
interpretation must accurately reflect both the content and tone of what is being said. Third, the person
interpreting may have a conflict of interest that the officer cannot be aware of due to language barrier As a
result, interpretation requires an neutral party to avoid someone intentionally or unintentionally injecting their
own bias into the interpretation.
804.5 Red Light Camera Citations (Deletion)
No comments.
F
A
902.2.3 Externally Initiated Complaints
Use of the word "citizen"
Any references to "citizens" should be replaced with "community members" to be more inclusive.
Examples of "minor policy violations"
The current examples of "minor policy violations" provided in subsection (b)(2)(b) include equipment violations.
Equipment violations can include violations of General Orders covering body-worn cameras and dash cameras.
For this reason, OPO does not agree that equipment violations should be considered minor policy violations.
No examples of "complaints of a serious nature"
The current policy language provides examples of minor policy violations but does not provide examples of
serious policy violations. Examples of complaints that are "of a serious nature" should be described in further
detail, particularly because complaints of a serious nature require officers to immediately notify an available
supervisor. Without further detail, opinions could differ as to what is included in each category and the policy will
not be effective in holding officers accountable.
Information taken but not provided
Currently, the policy language instructs officers to obtain a complainant's contact information if the complainant
is not able to wait for a supervisor. In such circumstances, officers should also be required to provide the
complainant with their names and badge numbers as well as information about where they can submit a
complaint (e.g., OPO and Internal Affairs).
"Language use" is unclear
The reference to "language use" in subsection (b)(2)(b) is unclear. If this is a reference to profanity, that should
be specified. In contrast, OPO disagrees with this categorization if it is meant to refer to any conduct falling under
301.2 Impartial Attitude and Courtesy.
8
OF
CHILL
AUSTIN
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
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
916.5 Reasonable Suspicion Testing for Sworn Employees (Amendments)
No immediate comments.
942.8.1 Additional Guidelines (Amendments)
No immediate comments.
958.2 Definitions and 958.3.1 Sworn Employees (Amendments)
No immediate comments.
1000.5 Department Hardware and Software (Amendments)
Terms undefined
The following terms should be defined:
-
"Facial recognition technology"
-
"Facial recognition software"
-
"Facial recognition services"
The inclusion of each of these three categories indicates that there is a difference between the three. Thus, each
term should be defined. For these same reasons, the General Orders should also define the following:
-
"law enforcement purposes"
-
"criminal investigative purposes"
-
"surveillance purposes"
Scope should be broadened
The current policy leaves room for the possibility that facial recognition technology, software, or services could
be used by employees for purposes other than law enforcement, criminal investigation, or surveillance. Given
that the intent of the policy appears to be a categorical ban of facial recognition technology, software, or
services, the policy should state clearly that "no employee will use facial recognition technology, software,
services, information, or content for any purpose in the course of their duties." This language will expand the
scope of the prohibition. The policy language could go on to say that "examples of such duties include, but are
not limited to the following: law enforcement, criminal investigative, or surveillance purposes." This would
provide further guidance while not limiting the scope.
In addition to prohibiting the use of facial recognition technology, software, or services, the policy should also
prohibit the use of information and content (e.g., images) collected from such software, technology, or services.
"Information" and "content" should also be defined.
1002.4.1 Standardized Email Signature (Amendments)
No comments.
9
OF
GINT
AUSTIN
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
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
118.7.2 Destruction of CHRI (Amendments)
Tracking and logging
The revised policy states that "[t]he destruction and/or sanitization of electronic media shall be tracked and
logged." There are currently no details as to the tracking and logging procedures. As with other sections of the
General Orders, this policy should provide details as to the tracking and logging procedures (e.g., forms to use,
timeline to follow, maintenance of logs).
Authorized personnel
The revised policy states that "[t]he destruction and/or sanitization of all physical and electronic media shall be
carried out or witnessed by authorized personnel in accordance with records retention schedules." There are
currently no details as to where records control/retention schedules can be found. The policy should state that
records control schedules can be found through the Office of the City Clerk's website and should provide links to
the Office of the City Clerk and the City of Austin's Public Records Access - Online Document Search.
Alternatively, language could be added to refer readers to GO 116.9 Records Retention where this information
is
provided. Note, however, that the link provided in GO 116.9 is broken and leads to a message saying the site
cannot be reached.
206.5.2 Kinetic Energy Projectiles Verbal Warnings (Amendments)
"Not practicable" should be removed
Currently, verbal announcements are required unless (1) it would otherwise endanger the safety of officers or (2)
it is not practicable due to the circumstances. The phrase "not practicable" is vague and is made more vague by
the fact that the policy makes practicability contingent upon "circumstances" which are also undefined.
The policy should only make an exception to the requirement for verbal announcement when it would endanger
the safety of officers. This would provide clearer guidance for officers in the field and decision-makers reviewing
administrative investigations.
"Reasonable opportunity" is vague and should be defined and accompanied by a list of factors to be considered
The phrase "reasonable opportunity" does not provide officers or decision-makers reviewing administrative
investigations with sufficient guidance.
N
ED
To hold officers accountable for violating this provision (e.g.,, by providing the verbal warning
contemporaneously or within seconds of actually deploying a kinetic energy projectile), the phrase "reasonable
opportunity" should be defined and accompanied by a list of factors. Examples of factors to consider may
include:
-
Officers gave clear commands for compliance (e.g.,, "Drop the weapon!" as opposed to "Stop!")
-
Officers have considered and accounted for issues that may affect an individual's ability to hear a
command
Distance between the officer and the individual
External noises
Competing commands
Language barriers
10
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
Hearing impairments
-
Officers have considered and accounted for issues that may affect an individual's ability to comply with a
command
Distance
External noises
Competing commands
Language barriers
Hearing impairments
Vision impairments
Physical disabilities
The verbal warning used is unclear and should be replaced
While the term "impacting" may be understood by APD officers, it is unreasonable to believe that the public
understands what it means. The less-lethal shotguns used by officers to deploy kinetic energy projectiles may not
be readily identifiable as less-lethal weapons. As a result, hearing an officer say "impacting" while holding what
may look like a regular shotgun does little to provide individuals "with a warning that a kinetic energy weapon
may be deployed" as is the stated purpose of the warning.
The policy should be revised to require a more
Does not address language access issues or procedures for those who are living with disabilities
The current policy does not address situations that may involve non-English speakers, those who are deaf or hard
of
hearing, or those who are blind or visually impaired. In these cases, the verbal warning "impacting" would not
be appropriate. These should be factors that officers are directed to consider in determining whether the
individual has had a reasonable opportunity to comply.
Further detail should be added with respect to voluntary compliance
Currently, one of the stated objectives of the verbal warning is to "[p]rovide the individual with a reasonable
opportunity to voluntarily comply." There are no additional details provided.
The policy should be revised to explicitly state that voluntary compliance would be related to lawful orders given
by police officers.
206.6 Pain Compliance Techniques (Amendments)
Factors to be considered when using pain compliance techniques
In addition to the factors currently listed, offices should also be required to consider factors such as: age, physical
size, physical condition, mental health, number of officers assisting vs. the number reasonably necessary to assist.
Officers should also be required to articulate their reasoning for using any technique used with particular
attention paid to the factors listed.
Potential for injury
The current policy language instructs officers to consider whether "the potential for serious injury" to the
individual being controlled. The "serious" qualifier should be removed and officers should be required to consider
the potential for injuries generally.
11
OF
AUSTIN
P.O. BOX 1088, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78767
CHIL
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
208.7.1 Taser Proper Maintenance (Amendments)
Reporting defects
The policy change states that "[i]f a defect is found, the officer should report such to their supervisor." The policy
should be revised to require that the defect be reported to the supervisor immediately and preferably in writing.
If the initial report to the supervisor is not made in writing, then there should be a requirement that any verbal
report be followed by a subsequent report in writing before the end of the officer's shift or, if a defect is found
during the shift, then prior to the start of the officer's next shift. The policy should indicate the specific form that
the written report should take (e.g., email or a specific form). This written report will memorialize the
conversation.
F
300.3.1 Use of Long Range Acoustic Device (Amendments)
No immediate comments on 300.3.1.
OPO does recommend that 300.3 Crowds, Events and Gatherings include more specific guidance related to time,
place, and manner restrictions to assist with navigating First Amendment issues.
OPO also recommends that the last paragraph of 300.3 Crowds, Events, and Gatherings be stricken. The last
paragraph currently states as follows:
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.
This appears to be the only provision of the General Orders that suggests a specific criminal charge and, as such,
gives the appearance of a bias against the exercise of First Amendment rights.
303.4.2 Copies of BWC Recordings (Amendments)
E
Records retention
The policy currently states: "When a copy is made, it is the responsibility of the person receiving the copy to
comply with records retention as outlined in General Orders."
This language should outline the specific General Orders sections that reference records retention or should
instead refer readers to the Office of the City Clerk and the City of Austin's Public Records Access - Online
Document Search.
306.5 Consent (Amendments)
Removal of requirement for supervisor consent absent relevant training
The requirements of subsection (a)(1) should not be removed. Requiring that consent searches be executed only
by officers who (1) have received supervisor approval or (2) are assigned to specific units and have received
specific training adds additional levels of review and consideration. These additional levels of review and
12
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
1839
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20PO
consideration help to prevent overuse and also ensure that warrantless searches under the consent exception
are executed properly.
Capacity to give consent
The current policy language speaks about consent needing to be obtained as the product of free will but there
are no explicit references to the importance of considering language access or an individual's mental capacity to
give consent. The policy should explicitly cover these topics and describe elements that an officer must consider
before conducting a warrantless search based on consent.
Synchronous testing of BWC and/or DMAV equipment
Language should be added to 306.5.1 Recording Consent that requires officers to confirm that their BWC and/or
DMAV system is working (e.g., by performing a synchronous test of the equipment or some other method of
verification).
319.2.1 Warrant Service Guidelines (Amendments)
Define "MRE"
The acronym MRE is used periodically throughout the General Orders but is never explained/defined To increase
transparency, an explanation of this acronym and what it presumably stands for (mobile report entry) should be
added to the General Orders.
346.6.1 Crash Required Reporting
No immediate comments.
350 Vehicle Towing and Impound
"Items of value"
"Items of value" should be defined to help prevent confusion and ensure consistency.
Written inventory vs. BWC footage
The current policy allows officers to document vehicle damage and personal property located during inventory by
stating it verbally on body-worn camera. OPO disagrees with this change because of the safeguard that a written
record provides in the event of equipment failure or other issues with body-worn camera footage.
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