§ 2-15-2. THE OFFICE OF POLICE OVERSIGHT.

(A)

The Office of Police Oversight is created as an administrative department and shall report to the city manager.

(B)

The office shall:

(1)

advise the city manager on the processes and results of investigations involving officers, and any other activities of the department as directed by the city manager;

(2)

advise the city manager on the effectiveness and appropriateness of the department's policies and procedures concerning complaints of police officer misconduct, police officer training, use of force by police officers, community relations, and any other activities of the department as directed by the city manager;

(3)

receive complaints, including anonymous complaints, from the public concerning the conduct of police officers;

(4)

serve as a liaison between complainants and the department during investigations of complaints;

(5)

participate as an observer during investigations of complaints as determined by the police monitor;

(6)

make recommendations to the police chief concerning discipline based on the investigation of complaints and department policies;

(7)

address other department activities of public concern as directed by the city manager;

(8)

report at least annually to the public on the results of its activities; and

(9)

report annually to the council on the results of its activities;

(10)

advise the city manager on public release of police video recordings, as soon as permitted by law, including vehicle dash camera and body worn camera video, involving incidents of significant public interest taking into consideration the City's law enforcement and public safety needs and the findings in Ordinance No. 20181115-016;

(11)

conduct preliminary reviews of external complaints and make recommendations regarding potential department policy violations and the department's investigative review classifications;

(12)

conduct random assessments of the department's use of force reviews and body camera usage; and

(13)

conduct community engagement activities.

(C)

Personnel in the office shall:

(1)

have direct access as permitted by law to department personnel and to records of the department, including records concerning investigations, necessary to carry out the responsibilities in part (B) of this section; and

(2)

make public, as permitted under Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code or the terms of any labor agreement with the Austin Police Association, information received from the department.

(D)

The city manager shall appoint the director, who shall supervise and direct all activities of the office.

Source: Ord. No. 20181115-016 , Pt. 2, 11-26-18.