Austin Police Oversight Faces Scrutiny Over Complaint Process and Leadership
A growing debate over the independence and effectiveness of Austin’s police oversight system reached a boiling point this month, as commissioners voiced concerns about the qualifications of a key staff member and the transparency of the complaint process. The issues surfaced during a Public Safety Commission meeting where the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) was scheduled to present its overdue 2023 annual report.
The OPO, responsible for investigating civilian reports of police misconduct and recommending policy changes, has been a source of tension for the commission in the past. Much of the planned presentation was postponed as appointees raised broader frustrations with the office’s operations.
Concerns Raised Over Complaint Supervisor’s Background
A central point of contention revolved around Kevin Masters, the OPO’s Complaint Supervisor. According to one commissioner, “It deeply concerns me that we’ve put a retired police officer in charge of taking complaints from the community about police.” The commissioner revealed they had researched Masters on LinkedIn and discovered he had spent 27 years with the Kansas City Police Department. This background sparked discomfort, with the commissioner questioning the appropriateness of a nearly three-decade veteran of law enforcement leading investigations into police conduct.
Commission Chair Nelly Paulina Ramírez echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for clarity in how complaints are handled. She questioned whether complainants fully understand their options, particularly regarding “supervisor referrals,” which redirect complaints to the Austin Police Department for internal resolution. “Do the complainants understand, and is it explained to them specifically, that (requesting) a supervisor referral means that there will be no investigation?” Ramírez asked.
Masters clarified that complainants can choose between a full OPO investigation, a referral to the officer’s supervisor, or simply having their experience documented. “We let the complainant decide how they want to proceed,” he stated. However, Ramírez also expressed dissatisfaction that complainants do not receive copies of evidence reviewed during investigations, such as body camera footage. “I don’t think I like that answer,” she said. “I feel like seeing evidence as a complainant is part of (someone’s) resolution process.”
Data Transparency and Ongoing Restructuring
OPO Director Gail McCant addressed concerns about a lack of demographic and sector data associated with complaints. She explained that collecting demographic information is optional to avoid creating barriers to access, and described the absence of data on APD sectors as a “reporting gap.” McCant indicated a new case management system may offer solutions to improve data collection.
The commission also received updates on the Community Police Review Commission, a separate 11-member volunteer board tasked with making policy recommendations. The voter-approved Austin Police Oversight Act of 2023 prompted a restructuring of the commission, which has been a lengthy process. After two years, the Community Police Review Commission has resumed regular meetings, with a July community meeting recently held and the 2024 annual report expected in September.
A ‘Year of Transition’ and Future Discussions
Despite the postponed presentation, McCant previewed the 2023 report, characterizing the year as a “year of transition.” She reaffirmed the OPO’s commitment to impartial oversight, stating, “At the heart of our work is a commitment to our mission to provide impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department. Oversight is not rooted in opposition. It is about partnership, integrity, and making systems better.”
As time ran short, Commissioner Yasmine Smith requested a follow-up meeting, expressing a sense of “tension” surrounding the issues raised. Ramírez confirmed plans to meet with McCant to schedule a further discussion.
Austinites can submit complaints – or positive feedback – about police interactions to the OPO by phone (512-972-2676), email ([email protected]), in person, or by mail. According to Masters, all complaints, even those submitted anonymously, are thoroughly investigated.
All complaints from 2024 are now published online, with the department working to publish complaints from the first half of 2025 and address a backlog from 2023.
