AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin Police said Wednesday they'll be delaying the release of "critical incident" videos from protest-related use of force incidents two months ago.
Under a new department policy that went into effect in May, video from any officer-involved incident causing serious injuries or death is to be released to the public within 60 days, unless the police chief determines a delay is needed to address investigative, prosecutorial, or privacy interests.
According to the department, releasing the videos at this time could "potentially impact the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigations into the incidents," primarily because investigators have not yet had the opportunity to interview all of the key witnesses and personnel identified during the investigations. The decision was made in consultation with the Travis County District Attorney's Office, officials said.
During the protests, at least two protesters were seriously injured after being shot by "less lethal" beanbag rounds on May 30 and 31. APD announced five officers were placed on administrative duty as investigations continued.
Last month, Austin's Office of Police Oversight published 227 formal complaints it had received related to the Austin protests. Those complaints, after being verified, are handed off to APD's Internal Affairs department for further investigation.
Under the policy, the department is required to reassess its decision on the release of the video every 30 days.
It's the second delayed release for "critical incident" video from APD under the new policy. Last month, City Manager Spencer Cronk delayed the release of body camera footage from the Michael Ramos shooting, after it was revealed that APD violated its own policy by editing video without consulting the Office of Police Oversight during the process.