2019's Big Stories Shaping Austin's Path Into a New Decade

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Oct. 7: APD Chief Brian Manley First Learns of Racism Allegations Against Asst. Chief Justin Newsom

Brian Manley at the Juneteenth parade in 2018 (Photo by David Brendan Hall)

Manley told APD officers in November that when he first received an anonymous tip about Newsom's "racist statements," he referred it immediately to the city's Office of Police Oversight. But he didn't open an internal investigation or put Newsom on administrative leave, which proved to be unfortunate at best; by the end of October, when a formal complaint spelling out New­som's behavior rocked APD and City Hall, the assistant chief had abruptly retired without punishment, leaving him free to receive $137,000 in deferred compensation.

The resulting shock waves will reverberate well into the new year. Manley's job is in jeopardy, pending the findings of an independent investigation ordered by City Manager Spencer Cronk into who knew what when, which is also the focus of a formal grievance by the Austin Police Associ­a­tion. Two other internal city probes are looking at APD recruiting, training, and hiring practices, while two other assistant chiefs are also the subject of complaints alleging bigotry and homophobia. A lawsuit has also been filed by a black APD detective, alleging persistent bias against African Ameri­cans within the department.

And a different, broader third-party investigation has been ordered by the City Council, championed by Natasha Harper-Madison, its only black member; this inquiry, informed by the work of Austin justice advocates, will also look at the department's training and retention as part of a deep dive into dysfunctional cop culture, starting at the police academy. That means increasing APD's head count – an important goal for both the department and the union, and largely achieved in the 2020 city budget – is now on hold. Rebuilding trust among APD brass, officers, City Hall, and the community is a work in progress. – M.C.M.