City of Austin delays APD’s release of bodycam footage in Mike Ramos case
AUSTIN, Texas - The City of Austin has delayed the release of the Austin Police Department's proposed bodycam video footage from the Mike Ramos case.
According to a city spokesperson, a newly established policy requires APD to produce and distribute a "Critical Incident Community Briefing" video under certain circumstances. In accordance with this policy, the Office of Police Oversight is required to consult and provide feedback on the production of these videos.
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According to the city, APD has produced a video regarding Mike Ramos' officer-involved shooting incident but has not fully followed the policy to include the Office of Police Oversight. Therefore, Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk has delayed the release of the video.
"The City Manager has directed this video be withheld from public release until the Office of Police Oversight has had an opportunity to fully review the video and ensure that all requirements of the policy are appropriately met," a city spokesperson told FOX 7 Austin.
The announcement comes a day after the Austin Justice Coalition released a petition calling for the resignation of APD Cheif Brain Manley for not following the new policy.
RELATED: Austin Justice Coalition calls on APD Chief Manley to resign
"It is with enormous frustration that the undersigned groups renew our demand -- after weeks of protest and major changes unanimously passed by City Council -- for new leadership at the top of Austin’s public safety department, and in particular our demand that you sideline Chief Brian Manley," AJC wrote in a press release.
AJC says the video was scheduled to be released on Monday, June 21 at 8 a.m.
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Read the full statement from the city below:
"Under a newly established policy the Austin Police Department is required to produce and distribute a Critical Incident Community Briefing video under certain circumstances. The Police Department has produced an initial video regarding the recent officer involved shooting that resulted in the death of Michael Ramos. In accordance with this policy, the Office of Police Oversight is required to consult and provide feedback on the production of such videos. That has not happened.
Additionally, the policy also allows an opportunity for certain relevant parties to privately view the video prior to public release. Unfortunately, the Ramos family was presented with a viewing of the video prior to the Office of Police Oversight having provided feedback. The City Manager has directed this video be withheld from public release until the Office of Police Oversight has had an opportunity to fully review the video and ensure that all requirements of the policy are appropriately met."