Let’s break down this police oversight tea that’s been brewing in Austin. It’s about to get real, so grab a seat and let’s dive in. Y’all remember that Austin Police Oversight Act we voted on in May of 2023? Well, it’s been over a year, and folks had to drag the city and APD to court just to make them do what we asked for. But guess what? Things are finally starting to move, and it’s all about that secret stash of police misconduct records they’ve been hiding – the infamous “G file.”
Now, this G file ain’t no joke. It’s been the spot where APD’s been tucking away all sorts of dirt on officers, keeping it out of sight from the public and even from the folks who are supposed to be watching the watchmen. But thanks to Equity Action putting the pressure on, a judge just called out the city and APD for playing games with these files.
City Manager T.C. Broadnax and Police Oversight Director Gail McCant are finally talking about opening up these records. They’re saying it might take 45-60 business days to get these files out, but at least it’s a start, right?
For years, our community’s been trying to peek behind this blue curtain. The G file’s been like a get-out-of-jail-free card for officers who mess up. Even when they catch an officer red-handed, if the chief decides to go easy on them or if the officer bounces before they can get disciplined, all that evidence gets locked away where we can’t see it.
The police unions are throwing a fit, talking about how the G file protects officers from “outlandish” complaints. But let’s keep it 100 – we’re not trying to air out false accusations. We just want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about what’s going down with the folks who are supposed to protect and serve.
Now, without this G file, the city’s gonna have to work a little harder to keep things under wraps. They’ll have to argue case by case why we shouldn’t see certain records. But that’s how most of Texas does it anyway, so welcome to the party, Austin.
Equity Action isn’t trying to put officers on blast for no reason. They’re just trying to make sure APD can’t sweep real problems under the rug. It’s about accountability, plain and simple.
“In 2019 The Office of Police Oversight (OPO) acknowledged the deep fear and mistrust in policing and committed to earning the community’s trust. While it’s taken far too long to see meaningful action on this promise, we are grateful for the relentless efforts of Equity Action and the recent ruling that moves us closer to real transparency,” said Angel Carroll, Director of Advocacy at Measure.
“As we step into this new era of accountability, Measure, along with many others, will continue to fight to ensure not only that bad actors within the Austin Police Department are held accountable, but also that those who aid in covering up police misconduct face consequences, ” continued Carroll.
When misconduct is allowed to fester in the shadows, it corrodes public trust…
“The battle for transparency in policing is far from over, but this moment is a reminder of what can happen when we stand united against systemic secrecy. It’s not about targeting individuals; it’s about building a system that values accountability over impunity,” said Austin Justice Coalition Founder Chas Moore. “When misconduct is allowed to fester in the shadows, it corrodes public trust, damages community relationships, and enables further harm. Austin deserves a system that protects people, not just police officers. By pushing back on cover-ups, we’re paving the way for a more just, equitable future where transparency is the norm, not the exception,” continued Moore.
So, what’s next? We’ll be watching to see how the city handles these public information requests. Will they play fair, or will they try to find new ways to keep us in the dark?
Stay woke, soulcitizens. This is our city, and we deserve to know what’s going on with the people who carry badges and guns in our name. Keep pushing for transparency, keep asking questions, and don’t let up until we get the oversight we voted for.
Remember, knowledge is power, and in this case, it might just be the key to making our streets safer for everyone. Let’s keep the pressure on and make sure this victory isn’t just on paper, but real change we can see and feel in our community.
