Austin City Council approves Contract with Austin Police Association

City of Austin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Oct. 24, 2024
Contact: Communications and Public Information 512-974-2220 Email

Agreement will help improve recruitment, retention, strengthen police oversight.

The Austin City Council approved a new five-year contract with the Austin Police Association (APA) at its meeting Thursday, Oct. 24, with Council Member Zo Qadri casting the lone "no" vote. The agreement includes groundbreaking measures to enhance police oversight consistent with the Austin Police Oversight Act, provisions for improving the Austin Police Department's hiring and promotional process, and meaningful investments in officer pay and benefits, helping to bring much-needed stability to the Department. The agreement must still be approved by the Austin Police Association and will go into effect after that approval.

"This is a truly momentous day. After a year-and-a-half without a police contract, we have achieved a major milestone. Since joining the City in May, I made it clear that one of my top priorities was to finalize a new contract between the City and the Austin Police Association. I am proud that we have been able to achieve such a significant accomplishment through this five-year agreement today," City Manager T.C. Broadnax said.

Key provisions of the contract include:

• Police oversight, including the elimination of confidential police personnel files and an extension of the time frame in which officers can be disciplined.
• Police officer base pay increase of 28% over five years. Base pay will increase by 8% in the first year, 6% in the second year, 5% in the third and fourth years, and 4% in the last year of the agreement.
• Enhancements to the promotion process that include employing an assessment center method of testing that is shown to have a much lower disparate impact against minority applicants. The enhanced promotion process will also include:
  • Additional training for assessors. 
  • Increased diversity opportunities for promotions.
  • A pilot program for promotion to Commander that includes a probationary period, leadership training, and a mentorship program, as supported by Kroll Report recommendations.
  • Enhancements to hiring, recruitment, and retention to address staffing vacancies, such as Field Training Officer pay increases and stipends for patrol officers. Additionally, the Austin Police Chief will have the authority to set eligibility requirements for police cadet applicants and modify the hiring process to more effectively hire and recruit experienced applicants.

While not part of the contract, the Office of Police Oversight will be able to investigate complaints against officers, including anonymous complaints, according to state statute.

"Since becoming mayor, I've pushed to get us to a long-term contract with our police. It is critical for us to achieve our staffing goals and our goals to assure Austinites are safe and feel safe," Mayor Kirk Watson said. "This contract will move us in that direction. I've also pushed to assure that the will of our voters is met when it comes to police accountability. This contract does that. I'm thankful to the City Council, the City Manager, and the APA for their work to get us here."

Funding for the first year of the tentative agreement is included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Approved Budget. The Council reallocated that funding to the Austin Police Department at Thursday's meeting. The total five-year cumulative value of the contract is $217.8 million.

"I want to commend the negotiating teams for working toward this historic agreement that aligns with my philosophy of valuing and prioritizing public safety while committing to transparency," Broadnax added. "I also want to thank Mayor Kirk Watson and City Council Members for their leadership and support in reaching this critical decision."

Other Statements on the Contract

Police Chief Lisa Davis, Austin Police Department

"I am excited that our Austin City Council prioritized and approved the five-year contract. We are now able to move forward and are one step closer to implementation of the contract. The passing of the contract will help our entire department with retention/recruiting efforts, improving morale, encouraging professional growth, all ultimately benefitting our Austin community. I realize we have a lot of work ahead of us to foster a culture of transparency and trust within our department and community. I am dedicated to enhancing our community engagement efforts, providing the highest level of police service, and making Austin a safe place to live, work, and play."

Gail McCant, Director, Office of Police Oversight

"The contract establishes a solid framework that enables us to work together with shared understanding and mutual respect while upholding the highest level of transparency and accountability. Further, it ensures that through the Office of Police Oversight, we are completely compliant with those provisions as laid out in the Austin Police Oversight Act."

Michael Bullock, President, Austin Police Association

"It has been a long road to get to this point. I am grateful and encouraged that we have entered a time where we can work together towards common goals, prioritize the public safety of our citizens, and move our city forward. The resiliency of our officers is representative of their dedication to keeping Austin safe and the contract is a major step in recognizing that service. Mayor Watson and Manager Broadnax's leadership is a big reason as to why we were able to get to this point and my thanks goes out to them as well."

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