Austin’s Office of Police Oversight is releasing its 2021 annual report for last year. The report, which is available to the public, highlights the work of the office’s multiple divisions, including complaints, policy and research, communication,s and community engagement.
Highlights from the report include:
- In 2021, OPO received 2,239 contacts from the community and requested that the Austin Police Department (APD) investigate 220 external complaints from community members.
- APD investigated 90 of the requested external complaints, and 16 resulted in sustained policy violations.
- In the last two years, the number of officers who have retired while under investigation has increased, from 2 officers in 2019, to 11 officers in 2020, and 15 officers in 2021.
- OPO expanded their policy and research division and released two comprehensive reports discussing an analysis of APD’s use-of-force policies.
- OPO sent a memo to City leadership with recommendations for better defining what constitutes “resistance” and considering alternatives to lethal and less-lethal force options.
- In 2021, OPO hosted five community events to gather feedback from community members and document their lived experiences, attended 41 community events to connect with community members, provided educational presentations at 20 community meetings, and received more than 68,000 website views.
“The last two years have been a pivotal time for police oversight in our country.” says OPO interim director Sylvia Hardman. “As the COVID19 brought new challenges upon reaching the community, nationwide protests simultaneously created more emphasis on the conversation around change in policing. In response, our office has worked diligently to research national best practices in policing, examine current APD policies, and connect with the community. Through data, research, and community input, we have strived to create systemic change within the Austin Police Department that improves safety for both officers and community members.”
To view the full report, visit atxpoliceoversight.org.
