Austin Public Library, Office of Police Oversight work together to collect community feedback to improve public safety Community members can stop by their local Austin Public Library to share their thoughts on the Austin Police Department's policies. Until April 1, residents can visit any Austin Public Library location or go to SpeakUpAustin.org to fill out the Office of Police Oversight's (OPO) survey on rules related to how and when Austin police officers use their camera equipment. The survey is available in English and Spanish. Media Availability Date/Time: Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Location: Austin Public Library Central, 710 W. César Chávez Street, Ground Floor RSVP: Contact Cristina Tangredi at 413-231-0577.
In addition to the survey, community members will have another opportunity to share their input at one of OPO's four community meetings that will take place in February and March. These meetings will include an educational presentation on current APD body-worn camera and dashboard policies and provide a space for community members to offer feedback in real-time. Sessions will be hosted virtually on February 23 and March 2, 9, and 16 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be available in English, Spanish and offer interpretation in American Sign Language. Other languages are available by request. As part of the directive from Austin City Council and the City Manager, OPO released its report "Body Worn Camera and Digital Mobile Audio Video: Policy Review and Recommendations" in January. This report examined how the Austin Police Department's current body-worn and in-car camera policies compare to national best practices of policing. Now, OPO has launched this survey and community meeting series to facilitate feedback from the public. After the feedback is collected, OPO will analyze community input in a final report shared with the City Manager and Austin Police Department. For more information on how to get involved, click here: bit.ly/3I2zwrG. | 
