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"There absolutely has to be confidentiality between an attorney and the police officer that they are representing," The National Police Association spokesperson Sgt. Betsy Smith said.
The Austin Police Association is suing the Austin, claiming she is violating officers’ rights. The lawsuit has to do with attorney-client privilege during internal affairs investigations.
"There absolutely has to be confidentiality between an attorney and the police officer that they are representing," The National Police Association spokesperson Sgt. Betsy Smith said.
The Austin Police Association claims Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis sent a new directive that infringes on that, Fox 7 reports.
The lawsuit said APA was recently informed that when a police officer is accused of misconduct and goes through an administrative interview, the statements made during that interview and documents and material referenced would be collected by internal affairs. APA claims those might contain attorney-client privileged information and attorney work products.
APA said that information could be used as an unethical advantage for the attorneys representing the department and against police officers.
APA advocates for 1,400 Austin police officers. The union is asking for a temporary restraining order, so Chief Davis doesn’t disclose attorney-client privileged information until the lawsuit is heard in court.
The Austin Police Department said in a statement:
"The City has not yet been served with the lawsuit from the Austin Police Association. If we receive a lawsuit, the City will review and respond appropriately."