AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Association (APA) has filed a lawsuit against Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, alleging that she violated officers’ constitutional rights by issuing directives that undermine attorney-client privilege during internal affairs investigations.
The lawsuit, filed in Travis County’s 126th District Court, seeks a temporary restraining order (TRO), temporary injunction and permanent injunction to block Davis from enforcing policies that APA claims exceed her lawful authority. The union argues that Davis’ actions could cause irreparable harm to officers facing disciplinary proceedings.
“So ultimately, really, the goal in all of this is for us to get back to a point where we’re able to work through these processes where officers are able to have a fair process and that they’re able to actually defend themselves because sometimes allegations are taken out of context, lots of other things happen, these get to be very complex investigations,” said APA President Michael Bullock.
Bullock also said the private conversations between a lawyer and client could also become public since personnel files are no longer sealed.
“Or if the department chooses to use it in arbitration, which are public hearings or in a disciplinary memo which is public, right,” said Bullock. “All of those things are avenues by which this information could be made public, which, again, is why we are very concerned about it.”
Bullock said the union is all for holding police accountable, but with a fair process.
Details of the Lawsuit
According to the APA, Davis issued a directive requiring officers under investigation to disclose materials shared during administrative interviews with their attorneys. The union contends these materials include attorney-client privileged information and attorney work product—protections they argue are fundamental to ensuring fair legal representation.
City’s Response
As of April 2, the City of Austin and the Austin Police Department had not yet been served with the lawsuit. A city spokesperson said, “If we receive a lawsuit, the City will review and respond appropriately.”