Police Monitor

Welcome to the Office of the Police Monitor

Mission Statement
Through our outreach efforts, we will educate the community and law enforcement to promote the highest degree of mutual respect between the Public and Police Officers. By engaging in honest dialogue over issues and incidents that impact the community and law enforcement, the Office of the Police Monitor’s goal is to enhance public confidence, trust, and support in the fairness and integrity of the Austin Police Department (APD).

Objectives
The Office of the Police Monitor (OPM), is an independent civilian, administrative office. The OPM provides oversight of the Police Department in addressing concerns and complaints of alleged administrative violations of Austin Police Department policy. The OPM is responsible for monitoring the investigation of complaints within APD. It is the vehicle for citizens to voice and file complaints of misconduct by APD officers.

The duties of the Office of the Police Monitor include:

Assess citizen complaints
Monitor the APD’s entire process for investigating complaints
Make recommendations on policy, procedures and discipline
Conduct community outreach programs and educational forums
Assist the Citizens Review Panel (CRP) in fulfilling its oversight duties.

The Office of Police Monitor's (OPM) Guiding Principles

The OPM carefully considers aggregate data from complaints, community concerns, and public policy in crafting recommendations aimed toward improving the quality of services of the Austin Police Department.
The OPM reaches out to inform the community about the complaint process and to listen and respond to broader community concerns.

Statement of Values

The Office of the Police Monitor for the City of Austin will demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity and honesty in all activities and in all settings in order to inspire public confidence and trust in the Office. The OPM conduct in both official and private affairs must be above reproach and our standards, views and behavior will comply with the following values:

Integrity: Demonstrate the highest work ethic; be honest and accountable.

Independence: Perform work that is free from actual influence or the appearance of influence of any individual or group.

Confidentiality: Understand and appreciate the critical importance of confidentiality to the Office; demonstrate unwavering adherence to the rules of confidentiality at all times.

Respect: Treat everyone fairly and be considerate of diverse views.

Objectivity: Be equitable, fair and neutral in the evaluation of complaints and issues considered by this Office.

Professionalism: Be committed to the mission of the Office of the Police Monitor; refrain from making statements which may be viewed as compromising the independence and integrity of the OPM, its work, and its staff.