Formal complaint: Purpose and scope—Community policing and other policy violations
Complainant alleges that Austin police officers deployed sonic weapons that can cause permanent hearing damage protesters. They call for the removal of these weapons. They also references instances where Austin police officers allegedly shot less lethal rounds at protesters. The Office of Police Oversight recommends that this allegation receive an A classification.
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CITY
OFFICE OF
NOTICE OF FORMAL
POLICE OVERSIGHT
COMPLAINT
ICMS #: 2020-0957
June 16, 2020
Complaint: Mr.
, complainant, emailed the Office of Police Oversight stating the
following:
"Please insist that APD immediately cease the use of LRAD (sonic weapons)
against protestors. The LRAD mounted on the roof at APD headquarters is capable
of causing instantaneous permanent hearing damage. With APD's track record thus
far, we can reasonably assume this weapon will not be used in good faith and will
result in permanent hearing damage to any protestors caught in its path. APD has
already demonstrated the capability to use less lethal weapons in ways that will
cause permanent injuries to protestors. A young man and a boy have already
sustained fractured skulls requiring emergency brain surgery after being shot point
blank with less lethal rounds. The first responders in at least one of these events
sustained injuries from being shot at with less lethal rounds while responding to the
injured. A pregnant protestor has been shot point blank in the stomach with less
legal rounds. APD already has weapons which they misuse against protestors, they
should have this taken away too (to be clear, I mean the less lethal projectiles they
are pummeling folks with). APD does not need to use yet another weapon capable
of inflicting permanent injuries on protestors. In the Live Music Capitol of the
World, why would you want to destroy hearing?"
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.