More than a year after Austin voters OK’d a measure to make them public, the so-called “G-files” of police officers accused of misconduct are now available to the public.
Disclosure of these disciplinary files was a sticking point in discussions around the voter-approved Austin Police Oversight Act and the city’s tentative labor agreement with the Austin Police Department. The police union argued disclosing them violated state law. Criminal justice advocates argued for transparency and pointed out other departments in Texas already disclose the files. A judge ruled last month the city didn’t need to keep the files secret.
Law enforcement is legally required to divulge files related to complaints against police officers if any disciplinary action is taken. That could be anything from an indefinite suspension – which is akin to firing an officer, though they can appeal the punishment – to a couple days’ suspension. G-files are records related to complaints that don’t result in discipline. APD didn’t allow those to be made public.
