AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin's Office of Police Oversight has published 227 formal complaints received during recent protests, officials announced Friday.
The complaints range from concerns about use of force against protesters to specific complaints about injuries to individuals.
OPO Director Farah Muscadin, in a report to the Austin City Council, said the department had received hundreds of complaints by phone, email, and the online complaint form. In previous years, OPO has received an average of 50 formal complaints.
"This volume of complaints and the pattern of alleged behavior echoes the sentiment expressed at recent City Council meetings," Muscadin said. "Residents are concerned about the use of force by the Austin Police Department and are calling for transparency and accountability."
The OPO operates independently from the Austin Police Department. Complaints submitted are reviewed by the office, and if a potential policy violation is identified, a formal complaint is drafted and submitted to APD's Internal Affairs department for further investigation.
