AUSTIN (KXAN) — A law enforcement expert presented a report regarding the Austin Police Department’s use of force at a special called Public Safety Committee meeting that happened Monday, according to a city memo.
Dr. Robin Engel contracted with the city to review APD’s use of force policies, related training and data collection. Along with that review, the reporting process was also looked into to find “opportunities for improvement and ensure that all current or future projects align with national best practices.”
Key findings in the report included inconsistencies in data collection, inconsistencies in accountability and oversight and overreporting the use of force.
Engel spoke with “sworn and professional staff” with APD. She also observed officers with the Downtown Area Command (DTAC) when they were operating at their busiest in the downtown district “where use of force is the highest,” according to the memo. Additionally, Engel also reviewed city council “resolutions and related memorandums, body-worn camera footage, and prior data analyses.”
Engel presented the findings to APD Police Chief Lisa Davis several months ago and suggested the department put together an internal Use of Force task force to find solutions to the problems she identified, per the memo.
