AUSTIN, Texas — On Monday, Austin’s Office of Police Oversight randomly selected 11 of the 31 community volunteers for the Community Police Review Commission.
The candidates considered for selection applied for the position and were determined eligible by the City Auditor as defined in the Austin Police Oversight Act.
It’s an effort that’s been in the making since voters approved the Police Oversight Act in 2023 following the call for more police transparency and accountability in Austin.
“Obviously, it’s been a complicated situation with being out of contract for a while and some lawsuits, but right now, it’s looking very promising,” said Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager Office of Police Oversight.
Commissioners have the authority to request briefings and make recommendations to Austin police, and the Office of Police Oversight oversees both departments.
“They can oversee pretty much anything the Austin Police Department does,” said Peralta. “The policies, practices, complaints against officers. They can look at materials related to a critical incident.”
DeMarris Jackson, a community member for more than 30 years, elementary teacher and commissioned officer who had done contract work for the Department of Defense was the first name called.
Jackson said he’s had his own run-ins with police that prove accountability and training is needed.
“I’m excited. Looking forward to it” Jackson said. “There’s good officers and there’s bad. We need to make sure that they’re getting the proper training.”
One of the requirements for eligibility included not being a member of any police department or association at any time.
Within the next 90 days, commissioners will have to complete 20 hours of training on police conduct policies. The Office of Police Oversight is hopeful to have meeting dates on the books for the commission in 2025.
The commissioners selected are:
- Carlos Greaves
- Christopher Harris
- Darrick Eugene
- DeMarris Jackson
- Ian Wahrenbrock
- John Banaski
- Joseph Henry
- Laura Cortes Franco
- Maica Clutario
- Robert Corona
- Ruben Delapaz