How do I file a complaint about police use of force?

You can file a complaint with the Office of Police Oversight using its online intake form or contact APD Internal Affairs; see the OPO complaint page for current instructions and forms.

Will the city publish data about use-of-force incidents?

The APD publishes use-of-force reports and summaries on the City of Austin site; check the APD reports page for the latest annual report.

Are there fixed fines for officer misuse of force?

Fixed municipal fines for officer conduct are not specified on the cited departmental pages; disciplinary measures are administrative and criminal liability follows state law.

Austin Police Use of Force Policies - City Law

Public Safety Texas 4 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026

Austin, Texas residents and visitors need clear guidance on how local police use-of-force rules operate and how to report or appeal incidents. This guide explains the city-level policies, oversight bodies, complaint paths, and practical steps to find official forms and reviews under Austin’s municipal processes. It summarizes who enforces policy, what penalties or administrative actions may follow, and where to get help from city offices.

Who sets use-of-force rules in Austin

The Austin Police Department (APD) issues departmental use-of-force policies and procedures under the City of Austin governance structure; those policies describe permitted force, de-escalation, and review processes. For the official departmental directives and policy text, consult the APD general orders and policy pages on the City of Austin website APD General Orders^[1].

You can read APD policies and general orders on the City of Austin site.

Oversight and review

Oversight includes APD internal investigative units and civilian oversight through the Office of Police Oversight (OPO). To file complaints about use of force, the OPO provides complaint intake and guidance on investigations and review timelines File a complaint^[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Use-of-force incidents may trigger administrative discipline, criminal charges, civil liability, or policy-based corrective actions. The specific sanctions and monetary fines for violations are generally not set as municipal fines in APD policy documents; disciplinary outcomes and criminal charges follow department rules and state law. Where the cited official pages list disciplinary steps, they do not specify fixed fine amounts for use-of-force violations, therefore fines are not specified on the cited page.^[1]

Enforcers: APD Internal Affairs and the Office of Police Oversight investigate complaints and recommend discipline.
Court actions: Criminal charges or civil suits are handled by state courts and civil tribunals; municipal code pages do not list specific criminal penalties for officer conduct.
Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for departmental disciplinary outcomes.
Non-monetary sanctions: administrative reprimand, suspension, training mandates, reassignment, or termination may apply per department discipline procedures.
Inspection and complaint pathways: complainants may use OPO intake online, call the OPO office, or submit reports to APD Internal Affairs.
Appeals and review: appeal routes and timelines for disciplinary decisions are handled under APD procedures and collective bargaining agreements; exact appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page.

Administrative discipline and criminal charges follow different procedures and timelines.

Applications & Forms

The Office of Police Oversight provides a complaint intake form and guidance for submitting complaints; check the OPO complaint page for the current form and submission methods OPO complaint intake^[2]. The APD may publish annual use-of-force reports that summarize incidents and reviews APD annual use-of-force report^[3]. If a specific form number, filing fee, or deadline is required, it will appear on those official pages; otherwise, a specific form number or fee is not specified on the cited pages.

Practical steps to report or appeal

Collect details: date, time, location, officer names/badges, witness names, and any video or photo evidence.
Submit a complaint: use the OPO online intake or APD Internal Affairs contact methods to file your complaint.
Follow up: obtain a case number and contact information for the investigator assigned to your complaint.
If charged: consult a lawyer about civil remedies and deadlines for filing suit under state law.

Keep copies of all documents and record dates of calls and submissions.

FAQ

How do I file a complaint about police use of force?: You can file a complaint with the Office of Police Oversight using its online intake form or contact APD Internal Affairs; see the OPO complaint page for current instructions and forms. File a complaint^[2]
Will the city publish data about use-of-force incidents?: The APD publishes use-of-force reports and summaries on the City of Austin site; check the APD reports page for the latest annual report. APD annual use-of-force report^[3]
Are there fixed fines for officer misuse of force?: Fixed municipal fines for officer conduct are not specified on the cited departmental pages; disciplinary measures are administrative and criminal liability follows state law. APD General Orders^[1]

How-To

Document the incident: write a timeline, gather witness names, and secure photos or video if safe to do so.
Submit an intake: file with the Office of Police Oversight online or contact APD Internal Affairs by phone or web form.
Request status updates: ask for a case number and investigator contact, and note any deadlines provided.
Seek legal advice: if you consider civil or criminal remedies, consult an attorney experienced in civil rights or police litigation.

Key Takeaways

APD policy and civilian oversight govern use-of-force review in Austin.
File complaints with the Office of Police Oversight for independent intake and review.
Collect evidence and request case numbers to track investigations.