Austin, TX
Family of Austin man shot, killed by APD opposes SB 2209
AUSTIN, Texas – Relations of an Austin man who was shot and killed by an Austin police officer testified towards Senate Invoice 2209 Monday, April 3. The invoice would place restrictions on civilian oversight powers for firefighters and law enforcement officials.
“On Nov. 15, 2022, my brother Rajan was killed by Austin police,” brother of Rajan Moonesinghe, Mark Moonesinghe stated.
Mark and his mom, Ruth Moonesinghe, stated they’re disillusioned within the response from the Austin Police Division because the killing.
“The police model modified as soon as they have been made conscious of the Ring digital camera proof which contradicted the story they have been telling,” mom of Rajan Moonesinghe, Ruth Moonesinghe stated.
Household of man shot, killed by APD officer pushes for solutions
Relations and associates of Rajan Moonesinghe, who was shot and killed by an Austin police officer, are pushing for solutions on his loss of life.
“How are you going to anticipate the police to carry themselves accountable when the chief has proven his willingness to twist details, defend dangerous habits, and restrict public outcry,” Mark Moonesinghe stated.
They stated that’s why civilian oversight is essential, they usually oppose Senate Invoice 2209.
“With out civilian oversight, the police investigation has centered on blaming Rajan as a substitute of the officers whose conduct resulted within the lack of my son’s life,” Ruth Moonesinghe stated.
Senate Invoice 2209 filed by Senator Kelly Hancock in Tarrant County amends present legislation regarding the municipal civil service. It prohibits an investigation for firefighters and law enforcement officials from being carried out by a civilian oversight fee, it states letters and paperwork associated to misconduct are confidential whereas the investigation is pending, and an individual just isn’t eligible to serve on a civilian oversight fee if convicted of a felony or against the law of ethical misconduct.
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Fairness Motion is the group that collected signatures for the Austin Police Oversight Act that’s on the Could 6 poll. They’re working to extend transparency and restore the police oversight powers that have been stripped away in 2021 throughout an arbitration determination.
A consultant with the group stated this invoice is a direct try and preempt that ordinance. If the invoice passes, parts of the ordinance wouldn’t be capable of be applied even when voters handed it.
“Due to the immense energy that police possess, a minimal, a bar minimal oversight, transparency, as would any authorities entity with energy over folks’s lives, I would hope you’d all demand,” Fairness Motion Board President Chris Harris stated.
The invoice nonetheless wants approval within the Senate and the Home.