Group accuses APD of rights violations

AUSTIN (KXAN) - About 20 community members met Tuesday to voice their concers about the Austin Police Department in light of the Nathaniel Sanders' shooting case.

Members from the People's Forum and Concerned Citizens said from no-refusal blood draws to the use-of-force policy, APD is violating Austin citizens civil rights.

The group of religious leaders and residents called on APD's Internal Affairs Department and demanded the use-of-force policy be revamped. They said over the last 20 years there have been 20 black, Hispanic and mentally-ill people killed by Austin police officers with little or no repercussions.

"It appears our police force, our district attorney, our elected leadership have basically ignored our constitutional rights," said Rudolph Williams, President, Blackshear Neighborhood Association.

Tuesday's meeting was held just a day before Police Chief Art Acevedo is expected to announce whether or not he will punish Officer Leonardo Quintana following the fatal shooting of Nathaniel Sanders.