This special report from the Austin American-Statesman is worth a read for a glimpse into just how difficult it is for a police chief to change the culture of local law enforcement. On October 20, investigative reporter Tony Plohetski released audio of a private meeting that Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo held with police department commanders in August. The chief was miffed about two publicized instances of police violence. One involved police officer Bryan Richter, who was caught on film slamming Breaion King, a 26-year-old African-American teacher onto a parking-lot pavement after a traffic stop. The other involved officer Geoffrey Freeman, who shot and killed David Joseph, a 17-year-old African American. The teenager was not only unarmed, but was completely naked when Freeman shot him. Read more here.
From the Archive