opinion
Austin PD: Public must oversee police negotiations to hold cops accountable.
The people's watchful eyes have an unwavering right to upend unjust negotiations. Our collective scrutiny ensures that no sinister, self-serving terms go unnoticed or uncontested, and any devious under-the-table dealing will be vehemently opposed by the power of our united voice.
Published August 14, 2024 at 6:03am by
Union President: Austin Police Ready to Undermine Democracy and Mayoral Transparency Efforts, Sign a Contract Only They've Seen and Implement Voter-Approved Prop A
Once again, the Austin Police Association (APA) is demonstrating its commitment to secrecy and undemocratic practices. In a shocking display of disregard for the very community they serve, the APA, alongside city negotiators, has kept the details of their new contract under wraps, hiding crucial information from the City Council and the public.
Last year, the APA publicly opposed the voter-approved police oversight and transparency law, Proposition A, and now they are pressuring the City Council to rushedly adopt a new deal without allowing for transparency and scrutiny. It is clear that the APA is prioritizing their own self-interests over the needs and wishes of Austinites.
The lack of transparency is deeply concerning, especially considering the history of evidence hiding by the Austin Police Department. The public has a right to know the details of the contract, as it will impact the city's budget and future services. The contract negotiations must return to full public view, with proposed language shared openly, as this is the only way to ensure democracy and accountability.
"The only reason for the APA to pressure the City Council to approve a police contract – sight unseen – is to secure a deal that benefits them, but doesn’t benefit the public they’re hiding it from...We can’t trust city negotiators or the APA hiding contract language they claim fulfills the will of the voters any more than we can trust a police department that has been hiding evidence like body cam footage and lab reports from prosecutors and defense lawyers in criminal cases." - Harris, a board member of Equity Action
The cost of a police contract that creates deficits cannot be understated, as it could lead to cuts in essential services and programs that the community relies on. The police contract has a significant impact on the city's general fund, and a bad deal could have disastrous consequences for Austin's future.
It is imperative that the City Council stands firm and votes down this secretive contract. The blame for this situation rests solely with the APA and city negotiators who have hidden the contents of the deal until the last minute. It is a disgrace to the values of transparency and democracy that Austin strives for.
Harris is a board member of Equity Action, fighting for a fair and equal Austin.
Read more: Austin police contract negotiations must be done in public view, not privately