What's happening
OPO is hosting its first-ever open house for community members July 19 at the Austin Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration is free and available online.
The event will feature remarks from OPO Director Gail McCant, a rundown of the civilian complaint process against Austin Police Department officers, and information about local and national police oversight practices. Refreshments will also be available.
"Whether you're curious about how oversight works or want to share your personal experience, our staff will be there to address all of your questions, comments and concerns," McCant said in a statement.
More information about the event, links to file complaints or commendations for APD officers, officer disciplinary recommendations and more reporting from the OPO is available through the office's website.
Zooming out
The independent OPO, separate from APD, is tasked with several responsibilities related into police transparency and officer investigations. The office was created several years ago, and its duties expanded after city voters approved Proposition A, or the Austin Police Oversight Act, two years ago.
Another change under the APOA was the creation of a new resident board, the Community Police Review Commission, to review and make recommendations on APD policies and certain incidents involving police officers. After a selection process late last year, the commission began meeting in the spring and is set to begin its first policy and case reviews this summer.
