The evolving reports of racist language by former Austin Assistant Police Chief Justin Newsom are heartbreaking and very troubling. Judgments should be withheld until Mr. Newsom has the due process to which he is entitled. However, if the information from the whistleblower and other reports are shown to be accurate, Mr. Newsom, APD, Austin city government, and all Austinites have much soul searching, contrition, and reform ahead of us.
The respect and admiration I have for the employees of the Austin Police Department - civilian and sworn personnel - is immense. As I have shared, my son is in law enforcement. The responsibilities of law enforcement are difficult, challenging and potentially dangerous. That in no way excuses the use of racially charged, derogatory language, or biased job performance, by any City employee or in any City department.
I understand the City Manager will seek an outside entity to investigate the culture within APD, as it relates to long standing instances of racist, bigoted language. Behaviors which are unbecoming of any employee of the City of Austin. We all expect the investigation to be thorough, fair, and conclusive.
It is important to point out that the Office of Police Oversight functioned as it was intended. Civilians and employees have a safe location to report complaints with law enforcement, and the whistleblower used it. Sunlight illuminates and cleanses.
I believe the City provide a similarly safe whistleblowing ability for the Fire and Emergency Medical Service departments. I also believe it’s a good idea for the City’s investigation to include all public safety departments.
Based on what is known today, I intend to wait for confirmation of the information about Mr. Newsom and for the results of the city’s outside investigation before making further statements.