APD changes policies on searches

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Starting Sunday, the way Austin police officers conduct their business will change.

The department is implementing two new policies to deal with the way it handles car searches and phone calls from mentally unstable people.

Officers will now have to get written consent from the driver, as well as video and audio record the search.
A supervisor will also have to give them permission first.

"What is the harm done to the trust between the department and the person that we're stopping, if in fact that man or woman is a law-abiding citizen that has committed no crime," said Chief Art Acevedo.

Also starting Sunday, our officers along with a crisis intervention team will now have to respond to calls from delirious suspects who are considered mentally or emotionally disturbed.

Emergency medical services will be notified and officers will be forced to carry one less deadly weapon forcing them to leave behind either a gun Taser or baton.

The changes come after complaints criticizing the Austin Police Department for racial profiling and using excessive force. New rules to enhance residents' relationship with the police.

"We believe that with a process that looks at scrutiny and different perspectives based on saving human life is a great thing to do and especially in regards to mental health," said Jim Harrington of the Texas Civil Rights Project. "I think it makes this department very progressive."

Now that these new policies are in place the police monitors office and civil rights groups say their next task is making sure it is properly enforced amongst officers.