AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Association (APA) filed a petition with the district court to intervene on the lawsuit advocacy group Equity Action brought forth against the City, according to the APA.
That lawsuit calls for the City to implement measures put forth in the Austin Police Oversight Act, which the public voted in favor of last May. Officials are still seeking clarity on how much of that ordinance can be implemented without violating state law.
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The primary element of contention is the police department’s “G file,” an internal, confidential file that contains complaints against officers that have not been substantiated and did not result in any form of punishment.
The Austin Police Oversight Act orders this information to be public.
“This lawsuit intends to force the City to violate state law and harm the hardworking people of the Austin Police Department,” said APA President Michael Bullock in a statement. “It also substantially interferes with our ability to fully negotiate a contract as we have in years past.”