Council members seek clarity on police contract

Confused about how the new police contract will deal with the information maintained in the “G-file”? You are not alone. To bring some clarity to the issue, Council Member Chito Vela has asked for a memo by Oct. 2 that explains whether the new contract makes both old and new G-file information available to the public. “Specifically, I would like a detailed explanation of the process by which City employees will release information pertaining to allegations of misconduct occurring prior to the effective date of this agreement, as well as the process for releasing information pertaining to allegations of misconduct occurring after the effective date. The memo should also state how the processes comply with current law, including the APOA, TLGC, and relevant judicial rulings, as well as the terms of the agreement,” Vela wrote. “If this contract complies with the Austin Police Oversight Act, including publication of ALL G-file information both past and present, then we are only inches away from the finish line.” His request was publicly seconded by Council members José Velásquez, Zo Qadri, Ryan Alter and Vanessa Fuentes, who has also requested a work session discussion about the budgetary implications of the $218 million contract. Since the announcement and subsequent publication of the tentative deal, organizations and people concerned about police transparency have been critical of how the G-file would be handled under the new contract and whether it includes a clause that would grandfather existing G-file records that unlawfully conceal police misconduct. Council is expected to vote on the police contract on Oct. 10.