Rewriting APD's Rules & Policies: Use of Force

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This project page is no longer taking submissions. You may contact the project team for more information. Thank you.  


Previously, we collected feedback on policies related to the use of force. These policies cover things like how and when officers use their guns. This survey was available from April 22, 2021 until May 31, 2021. To learn more about the final community feedback results and policy recommendations, read the report. 

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Austin's City Council and City Manager want to know your opinion on Austin Police Department (APD)policies. Currently, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is requesting feedback on policies related to the use of force. These policies cover things like how and when officers use their guns.  

OPO will organize community feedback into a report and submit it to the City Manager, City Council, and the Austin Police Department.  

Background: 

The City Manager directed OPO to help rewrite the Austin Police Department General Orders, which are APD’s policies. This rewrite will cover all policy areas, including issues like search and seizure, body-worn cameras, dash cameras, mental health response, discipline, bias, language, and courtesy.  

OPO recommends that the General Orders rewrite start with the policies that have the most impact on officers' interactions with the public. Any time a police officer uses physical force or a weapon during an interaction, it creates a safety risk to both the officer and the community member. Community members have been vocal about prioritizing use-of-force policies after recent officer-involved shootings. 


Previously, we collected feedback on policies related to the use of force. These policies cover things like how and when officers use their guns. This survey was available from April 22, 2021 until May 31, 2021. To learn more about the final community feedback results and policy recommendations, read the report. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Austin's City Council and City Manager want to know your opinion on Austin Police Department (APD)policies. Currently, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is requesting feedback on policies related to the use of force. These policies cover things like how and when officers use their guns.  

OPO will organize community feedback into a report and submit it to the City Manager, City Council, and the Austin Police Department.  

Background: 

The City Manager directed OPO to help rewrite the Austin Police Department General Orders, which are APD’s policies. This rewrite will cover all policy areas, including issues like search and seizure, body-worn cameras, dash cameras, mental health response, discipline, bias, language, and courtesy.  

OPO recommends that the General Orders rewrite start with the policies that have the most impact on officers' interactions with the public. Any time a police officer uses physical force or a weapon during an interaction, it creates a safety risk to both the officer and the community member. Community members have been vocal about prioritizing use-of-force policies after recent officer-involved shootings. 

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Survey: How should APD use force?

    Austin's City Council and City Manager want your opinion on the Austin Police Department’s rules related to how and when officers use their camera equipment. The Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is currently collecting public feedback through a survey available here. The survey will be open for all until April 1, 2022. 


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    Previously, we collected feedback on policies related to the use of force. These policies cover things like how and when officers use their guns. This survey was available from April 22, 2021 until May 31, 2021. To learn more about the final community feedback results and policy recommendations, read the report.


    If you have additional comments, questions, or concerns regarding this survey, please email opo.outreach@austintexas.gov 





    This project page is no longer taking submissions. You may contact the project team for more information. Thank you.  
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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Encuesta: ¿Cómo debe usar la fuerza un policía de Austin?

    Las siguientes preguntas nos ayudarán a comprender cómo se siente acerca de las políticas actuales del Departamento de Policía de Austin sobre el uso de la fuerza.


    Esta encuesta estará disponible del 21 de abril de 2021 al 31 de mayo de 2021. Si tiene comentarios, preguntas o inquietudes adicionales sobre esta encuesta, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a opo.outreach@austintexas.gov.  



    This project page is no longer taking submissions. You may contact the project team for more information. Thank you.  
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