Notice of complaint related to 2022-1033

OF
GINE
COSTAL
OFFICE OF
POLICE OVERSIGHT
NOTICE OF COMPLAINT
November 18, 2022
ICMS #: 2022-1033
On November 16, 2022, the OPO received an online complaint.
The complainant alleges: My wife and I called the police because we were being harassed
by a driver. He was honking at us and pulled into our lane directly in front of us and
slammed on his brakes. We thought our vehicles made contact SO we were signaling for
him to pull over. The man refused and we called the police. I followed the car where he
pulled into a parking lot. At that point the man called the police. Police arrived at the scene
and approached the male first. I was angry because he put our lives in danger and we have
a child that needed to be picked up from school soon, and this man was putting our lives in
danger as well as other drivers. I told the officer I was angry when he approached me, and
he ignored me. I told the officer I use they/them pronouns, and he ignored me and continued
to address me as a female. I requested a second time for him to not address me with she/her
pronouns and he got visibly frustrated and stopped talking to me. He discriminated against
me the rest of the time. He also wouldn't answer questions I had and completely ignored
any questions I had. I was only served a ticket. The other officer at the scene said there was
no damage to the vehicle and therefore no collision. In the end, I received a ticket for a
collision even though there was no damage or contact made to either vehicle, the other
driver never pulled over, and he caused the conflict. I was discriminated against for my
gender identity and sexual orientation by this officer, and was completely unprotected by
APD. I have lost all trust in local authorities and will now never call again no matter how
much I may be in danger. I learned from this experience that I will be the one to suffer.
Officer violated 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. Officer
violated Article 7: Conduct Toward the Public ". He will do neither from personal
preference or prejudice but rather as a duly appointed officer of the law discharging his
sworn obligation." Officer violated PHILOSOPHY, VALUES, VISION AND MISSION
Philosophy of the Austin Police Department: We must realize our main responsibility is
the protection of the community and the preservation of human life and dignity. Officer
OF
GINE
OFFICE OF
POLICE OVERSIGHT
FOUNDED
NOTICE OF COMPLAINT
violated Department Values - I. C.A.R.E. : Accountable - to the community, the
Department, and coworkers. Respect - of the community, the Department, and most
importantly, self. Ethical - professional actions and decision making. Vision Statement: To
be respected and trusted by all segments of Austin's diverse community. Mission
Statement: To keep you, your family, and our community safe.
This notice of 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.