20200622-002b: Reallocate Funding From APD — original pdf

Recommendation

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20200622-002b: Reallocate funding from the Austin Police Department WHEREAS, Officers in The Austin Police Department have repeatedly used excessive force on camera without repercussions; and, WHEREAS, The murder of Mike Ramos by Officer Christopher Taylor is apparent via video evidence when viewed by an unbiased observer; and, WHEREAS, Austin Police Department has a widespread reputation of being more likely to use excessive force than Texas' other large jurisdictions; and, WHEREAS, in the City of Austin Human Rights Community Budget forum, citizens of Austin provided the most consistent feedback this commission has received regarding budgetary concerns and implored us to express to City Council that the Austin Police Department budget should be reduced; and APD funding should be re-directed to Black and Brown communities that have faced brutal trauma from centuries of systemic racism from the police and other institutions; and, WHEREAS, on April 29th, 2019, the Human Rights Commission unanimously voted to send recommendation number 20190429-003b: Fiscal Year 2020 Budget to City Council, and this recommendation in part recommended the City of Austin law enforcement strategy be refocused from traditional policing and criminalization, which has led in the past to over policing in minority communities, toward a greater reliance on diversionary, preventative, and rehabilitation programs. We also indicated this focus should include but not be limited to the diversion of funds into such programs that curb crime before it happens; and, WHEREAS, on April 29th, 2019, the Human Rights Commission unanimously voted to send recommendation number 20190429-003b: Fiscal Year 2020 Budget to City Council, and this recommendation in part recommended the City of Austin deeply analyze the number of victims services counselors, mental health officers and other staff associated with the diversion of activity that is criminal on the surface, to evaluate whether more funds should be allocated to fund these positions. A deeper analysis than requiring a certain number of police officers per year citizen is required; and,