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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                            
November 4, 2020
Contact: Public Information Office, (512) 974-5017

APD Response to City Hall Photo CORRECTION

The original press release stated that the Texas Police Spouses Association (TPSA) was a co-coordinator in this event. That was incorrect. TPSA were participants only. The Wind Therapy Freedom Riders were the sole coordinators.

On Sunday, November 1, APD officers were working to provide a safe environment for a peaceful protest coordinated by the Wind Therapy Freedom Riders. At the end of the event, several officers, who we are working to identify, were asked to take a photo with participants which is not an uncommon request from the community.

We are aware of the concerns raised by this photograph and have launched an Internal Affairs investigation to determine any potential violations. APD policies 801.6 and 972.4.1 address endorsements and political activity. We have specific guidelines, and all officers should be aware of these policies. As a reminder, we are sending a training bulletin to all APD officers and employees, to help remind them of our department policy.

APD is committed to fair, impartial and equitable treatment of all people. We do not justify or condone political activities in uniform. Given the politically charged climate we will be advising officers to exercise additional caution when engaging with the public to ensure the uniform isn't used – either directly or inadvertently – to imply support or opposition of a particular perspective.

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