During a recent Public Safety Commission meeting, concerns were raised regarding the leadership of the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) in Austin, particularly the appointment of a retired police officer to oversee civilian complaints about police conduct.
Commissioner Rebecca Bernhardt voiced her apprehension, stating that it was troubling to have someone with extensive law enforcement experience, like Complaint Supervisor Kevin Masters, in a role focused on handling community grievances against police officers.
Masters, who spent 27 years with the Kansas City Police Department, confirmed his background when questioned by Bernhardt, which intensified her discomfort about the appropriateness of the position.
Commission Chair Nelly Paulina Ramírez echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for clear communication to complainants regarding their options when filing a report. She noted that many complaints lead to a request for supervisor referrals, which are then directed back to the Austin Police Department (APD) for internal handling.
Ramírez posed a critical question, asking whether complainants are adequately informed that requesting a supervisor referral means that no formal investigation will take place.
Masters explained that different complainants have different intentions: some desire a thorough investigation from the OPO, others want a supervisor informed, and some simply wish to document their experiences.
In closing a complaint, the complainants receive a summary of the investigative process but do not have access to the evidence reviewed by the OPO, such as body camera footage, which raised further concerns from Ramírez. “I feel like seeing evidence as a complainant is part of (someone’s) resolution process,” she stated.
Significant changes have been made to the complaint process, with complaints from 2024 now available online. The department is also working to publish complaints from early 2025 and a backlog from 2023.
Gail McCant, the OPO Director, addressed worries about the accessibility of demographic data related to complaints. She noted that while demographic data on complaint forms is optional to avoid creating barriers for access, there remains a gap in data reporting linked to APD sectors.
To address these challenges, McCant indicated potential improvements might arise from a new case management system currently being developed.
In addition to concerns about the OPO, the meeting also delved into updates concerning the Austin Community Police Review Commission. This volunteer board operates separately from both the OPO and the APD and aims to make policy recommendations. The Voter-approved Austin Police Oversight Act of 2023 has introduced new requirements for the commission, leading to a slow restructuring process that has finally resulted in the resumption of regular meetings almost two years later.
Participants highlighted recent community interactions, including a meeting held in July, and anticipated the release of the 2024 annual report in September.
Despite much of the 2023 presentation being postponed due to a lack of time, McCant offered a preview, categorizing the past year as one of transition for the OPO.
She reaffirmed the office’s commitment to providing impartial oversight of the police department, stating, “Oversight is not rooted in opposition. It is about partnership, integrity, and making systems better.”
As the meeting came to a close, there was a palpable sense of tension among the commissioners, prompting Commissioner Yasmine Smith to suggest that the OPO present again for further discussion. Ramírez confirmed her intention to meet with McCant to arrange an additional meeting.
Austinites are reminded that they can submit complaints or positive feedback about their interactions with police through multiple channels, including phone, email, in person, or by mail. According to Masters, anonymous complaints receive thorough investigations as well.
image source from：austinmonitor
