VIDEO: Austin Police Detective Suspended Over Facebook Comments
Video: Austin Police Detective Suspended Over Facebook Comments
The Austin (TX) Police Department suspended a detective they say posted inappropriate comments on his alias Facebook page about the fatal shooting of a naked unarmed teen.

On or about March 21, the Austin (TX) Police Department says Detective Jason Chiappardi posted inappropriate comments on his alias Facebook page about the fatal shooting of naked unarmed teen David Joseph.
The comment reads: "My family and friends are glad to hear that the high school dropout drug using, neighborhood terrorizing, naked guy will never scare anybody else again." He posted this shortly after Chief Art Acevedo indefinitely suspended Officer Geoffrey Freeman, reports KTBC.
"He and Officer Freeman were friends and I think that he made his comments out of frustration and emotion at that time," said Asst. Chief Brian Manley.
Chiappardi also posted, "It's too (expletive) bad that the boss has no support for his officers. I hope he leaves soon," in reference to Chief Art Acevedo.
"These comments don't reflect the values of this department," said Manley.
In a hearing last week the department punished Chiappardi, a 17-year department veteran, with a three-day suspension without pay starting August 22nd. The Austin Police Association says Chiappardi may appeal.
"We look forward to doing the arbitration. Not because there wasn't an issue with what he said but we're interested in what an arbitrator would say about what First Amendment rights do officers have and not have," said Ken Casaday, president of Austin Police Association.
Chiappardi has since apologized to his boss and the rest of the department. He is scheduled to return to duty with the robbery unit on Aug 25.
More Patrol

Police & Fire Championships Expands Athlete Eligibility
The US Police & Fire Championships is now open to all employees – sworn, civilian, administrative, technical, and support staff – who work directly for an eligible public safety agency.
Read More →Tips for Watching the Hands
How can officers better “watch the hands”? Mike Willis, Law Enforcement National Training and Program Director for the US Deputy Sheriff's Association, shares some tips.
Read More →10 Tips for Felony/High-Risk Stops
What steps can officers take to stay safer during felony or high-risk vehicle stops? Here are 10 tips from Mike Willis, Law Enforcement National Training and Program Director for the US Deputy Sheriff's Association.
Read More →
Amped Highlights Power Behind Amped FIVE Software
Amped FIVE empowers you to advance your investigations with confidence and precision, from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom.
Read More →
Police K-9 Killed, Suspect Dies in Shootout with Cops
A Burbank Police Department K-9 was fatally shot over the weekend by a passenger who fled on foot from a traffic stop. The armed suspect was killed in a shootout with officers.
Read More →From the Show Floor: InVeris
In this video, learn about how InVeris provides training to law enforcement, including customized augmented reality scenarios. The augmented reality system can scan up to 10,000 square feet of real-life environments and create a curriculum based on those spaces.
Read More →From the Show Floor: Polaris Government & Defense
Learn about Polaris Government & Defense in this video as POLICE visits their show booth to discover their side-by-sides and the advantages they provide for agencies.
Read More →
2026 Ford Pro™ Police & Special Service Vehicles Guide is Available for Download
Ford Pro™ meets the needs of law-enforcement agencies
Read More →
Dashcam Video Shows Officers Rescue Man from Burning Car
Dashcam video released by a New Jersey police department shows two of its officers rescuing an unconscious man from a burning car after a crash.
Read More →
Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT Named Red Dot of the Year
The Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT system has been named Red Dot of the Year by Guns & Ammo magazine. The new optic system was introduced in January 2025.
Read More →
