In the heart of Austin's city hall, a pivotal discussion unfolded during the Public Safety Committee meeting on May 19, 2025. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as officials gathered to address pressing concerns regarding the Austin Police Department's use of force policies and data reporting practices.

Commander Cruz of the Force Review Unit opened the meeting by detailing her extensive engagement with various units within the police department, including the Special Investigations Unit and the Office of Police Oversight. This collaboration aims to enhance accountability and oversight, ensuring that both officers and the public are safeguarded. Cruz emphasized the importance of a united front in tackling the complexities of use of force incidents, particularly in high-traffic areas like Sixth Street, where many such incidents occur.

Cruz's commitment to understanding the situation firsthand led her to ride along with officers in the George sector, allowing her to observe operations in real-time. This hands-on approach was complemented by a thorough review of documents spanning several years, including reports on resistance and previous external evaluations. However, her findings revealed a troubling reality: inconsistencies in how the Austin Police Department reports and manages use of force incidents.

While acknowledging that discrepancies in police data are not unique to Austin, Cruz highlighted the critical need for improvement. "There are significant issues with the reliability and validity of the data," she stated, underscoring the importance of accurate reporting for maintaining public trust. The meeting served as a platform for Cruz to outline her plans for addressing these gaps, focusing on continuous improvement and collaboration with the department's leadership.

As the discussion progressed, it became clear that the path forward would require not only rectifying existing inconsistencies but also fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the police force. The committee's commitment to these goals reflects a broader movement towards reform in law enforcement practices, aiming to build a safer and more trustworthy community for all Austinites.