OPO's Mission and Vision

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The mission of the Office of Police Oversight is to provide impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department's conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, inform the public to increase transparency, and create sustainable partnerships throughout the community.

Vision: to enhance a culture of accountability and transparency within policing in Austin.

Five common goals of police oversight:

1. Improving public trust
2. Ensuring accessible complaint processes
3. Increasing transparency
4. Deterring police misconduct
5. Promoting thorough, fair investigations

The Office of Police Oversight (OPO) provides independent, impartial oversight over the Austin Police Department (APD). OPO and APD are separate departments within the City of Austin. OPO comprises civilians with oversight, legal, policy, and community engagement expertise. OPO’s role and responsibilities are outlined in:

• A municipal ordinance (PDF, 129 KB)
• The 2018 contract between the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association (PDF, 911 KB)
• A memo from the City Manager to the Mayor and City Council (PDF, 305 KB)