The Austin Community Police Review Commission has taken a significant step to ensure transparency in police use-of-force reporting. During their meeting on June 20, 2025, commissioners unanimously agreed to recommend the continuation of normal reporting practices, despite concerns about data inconsistencies. This decision comes in response to a task force's suggestion to suspend public reporting on use-of-force incidents due to perceived flaws in the data collection process.

Commissioner Flood emphasized that while data may never be perfect, it is crucial to maintain a flow of information. "Ten percent of something is better than 100 percent of nothing," he stated, advocating for ongoing reporting to allow for informed public discourse and analysis. The commission recognized that even imperfect data can provide valuable insights and help identify areas for improvement.

The discussion highlighted the importance of public input in understanding police actions. Mary Elizabeth from the Austin Justice Coalition stressed that without comprehensive data, the community risks drawing misleading conclusions about police conduct. She argued that public testimonies are essential for a complete analysis of incidents, as they can either corroborate or challenge police accounts.

In light of these discussions, the commission plans to establish a work group to further examine the reporting processes and ensure that data is presented in a way that is accessible and understandable to the public. This initiative aims to enhance community trust and accountability in law enforcement practices.

As the commission moves forward, the emphasis remains on maintaining transparency and fostering a collaborative approach to policing in Austin. The next steps will involve setting an agenda item for the upcoming meeting to formalize the creation of the work group and continue the dialogue on effective data reporting.