August 23, 2024
OPO’s Policy Recommendation to Austin Police Department’s General Order 211: Response to Resistance Inquiry, Reporting, and Review
In this memo, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) provides recommendations to the Austin Police Department's General Order 211.13, which outlines the policy and procedure for reviewing and reporting use-of-force incidents. OPO recommends that APD reinstate the Force Review Unit's authority to review incidents and provide additional clarity and definitions to the policy.
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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: 512-972-20PO
August 23, 2024
Robin Henderson, Interim Chief of Police
Austin Police Department
715 E. 8th Street
Austin, TX 78701
RE: OPO's Policy Recommendation to Austin Police Department's General Order 211:
Response to Resistance Inquiry, Reporting, and Review
Dear Chief Henderson:
F
A
On June 27, 2024, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) received notification of approved changes
to the Austin Police Department (APD) General Orders policies. OPO has reviewed the approved
changes, and OPO feedback and recommendations are attached to this memorandum.
The specific policies reviewed in this memorandum are as follows:
211.13 Chain-of-Command Responsibilities in Level 2, 3 and 4 Incidents
The OPO trusts that this policy can be improved and that it benefits APD sworn employees,
supervisors, and the community. We look forward to addressing the issues identified and
improving policies to enhance the Austin Police Department's transparency and accountability.
Sincerely,
Dail
Mecan
1839
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 I FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
1839
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20P0
211.13: Response to Resistance Inquiry, Reporting, and Review
Recommendation #1:
OPO objects to APD's removal of review power from the Force Review Unit.
OPO objects to the current policy language, which limits the Force Review Unit (FRU) review
power. Previously, the FRU could notify a chain of command of any "training issues and potential
policy violations."
Recommendation #2:
F
A
OPO recommends that APD provide a concise definition and explanation.
OPO analysis indicates a need to clarify and define what an "observation" made by the FRU
constitutes within this policy. The policy should clearly articulate what an "observation" is and
specify the process of documenting "observations" for the chain of command to review.
Recommendation #3:
OPO recommends that APD add clarification.
OPO recommends that APD's policy cite where, in the General Orders, the chain of command
should reference the "appropriate actions according to policy" related to potential observations
articulated by the FRU
2
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: 512-972-20PO
August 23, 2024
Robin Henderson, Interim Chief of Police
Austin Police Department
715 E. 8th Street
Austin, TX 78701
RE: OPO's Policy Recommendation to Austin Police Department's General Order 211:
Response to Resistance Inquiry, Reporting, and Review
Dear Chief Henderson:
F
A
On June 27, 2024, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) received notification of approved changes
to the Austin Police Department (APD) General Orders policies. OPO has reviewed the approved
changes, and OPO feedback and recommendations are attached to this memorandum.
The specific policies reviewed in this memorandum are as follows:
211.13 Chain-of-Command Responsibilities in Level 2, 3 and 4 Incidents
The OPO trusts that this policy can be improved and that it benefits APD sworn employees,
supervisors, and the community. We look forward to addressing the issues identified and
improving policies to enhance the Austin Police Department's transparency and accountability.
Sincerely,
Dail
Mecan
1839
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 I FAX: 512.974.6306
FOUNDED
1839
COMPLAINT HOTLINE: 512-972-20P0
211.13: Response to Resistance Inquiry, Reporting, and Review
Recommendation #1:
OPO objects to APD's removal of review power from the Force Review Unit.
OPO objects to the current policy language, which limits the Force Review Unit (FRU) review
power. Previously, the FRU could notify a chain of command of any "training issues and potential
policy violations."
Recommendation #2:
F
A
OPO recommends that APD provide a concise definition and explanation.
OPO analysis indicates a need to clarify and define what an "observation" made by the FRU
constitutes within this policy. The policy should clearly articulate what an "observation" is and
specify the process of documenting "observations" for the chain of command to review.
Recommendation #3:
OPO recommends that APD add clarification.
OPO recommends that APD's policy cite where, in the General Orders, the chain of command
should reference the "appropriate actions according to policy" related to potential observations
articulated by the FRU
2