Rudeness complaints are some of the most common complaints that OPO receives.
In September 2020, OPO recommended updates to two policies related to these common complaints. OPO developed these recommendations after researching several comparable police departments' policies. This research showed that APD's policies were unclear and did not adequately address real-world situations. OPO’s recommendations included updated language to refine General Order 301.2 Impartial Attitude Courtesy, General Order 900.3.4(c) Personal Conduct, and the corresponding Discipline Matrix items related to these policies. These changes would align the Austin Police Department with national best practices, uphold equitable law enforcement standards, and establish accountability for police officers. Click here (PDF, 273 KB) to read OPO’s recommendations.
On October 22, 2020, APD adopted some of OPO's recommendations but failed to take steps to make sure these policy changes would be effective. Specifically, OPO recommended firm disciplinary measures to show the seriousness of officers being rude, unprofessional, or unfair during interactions with each other and community members. APD chose not to adopt these discipline recommendations, which undermines the policy recommendations that it did adopt.
In November 2020, OPO objected to the changes APD made General Order 301.2 Impartial Attitude and Courtesy and General Order 900.3.4(c) Personal Conduct. Additionally, OPO recommended that APD fully incorporate OPO’s September 2020 recommendations. Doing so would demonstrate to both officers and the community that APD takes these types of allegations seriously. Incorporating OPO’s recommendations would also demonstrate APD’s desire to reimagine its policies and align them with best practices. Click here (PDF, 1.1 MB) to read OPO’s objection.