Communities in East Austin vented sentiments of frustration and distrust with the Austin Police Department and the City of Austin Monday evening at the Delco Center.
On the heels of the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old black male by an Austin police officer, a community meeting between residents and city leaders escalated from the events surrounding the shooting to various other issues affecting the neighborhoods east of Interstate-35.
"We have a diverse group of elected officials in this city, and that makes me think it’s a systemic problem," attendee Rudy Malveaux, of the Victory Grill, said at the meeting.
On May 11, Nathaniel Sanders was shot by Senior Patrol Officer Leonardo Quintana. Quintana shot Sanders after Sanders reportedly made a "furtive movement for" a weapon in his waistband. Quintana said he feared for his life and that of his partners.
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Public Perception
News 8's Bob Robuck takes a look at whether or not public perception of the police department changed any since the last public meeting like this was held.
 
Issues Discussed
News 8’s Reagan Hackleman shares response from the meeting.
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The shooting marks the fifth controversial use of deadly force involving a minority in recent years. The last time the City
of Austin held a major forum over an officer-involved shooting was in 2005. That meeting was to respond to officer Julie Schroeder shooting and killing 18-year old Daniel Rocha in the back.
Monday night community members charged that APD uses excessive force more frequently than reports would suggest.
"I just do not believe that all these shootings, or any of them,
were necessary in any way and that, for whatever reason, the police have yet to come up with a system of use of deadly force that actually protects the citizenry," resident Rudolph Williams said.
Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo at one point defended the department's duties, saying much of the community's criticisms should be directed at issues of education and the criminal justice system.
"All the police policies and procedures are not going to stop shootings unless we get our kids graduating from school," Acevdeo said. "This department is going to fight to keep kids in school where they belong."
Other members of the community questioned the legitimacy of APD’s investigation.
APD Monitor Cliff Brown said citizen review panel is in place for citizens to participate in the process. Brown called for the community to get involved.
Many at the meeting also held contention with police procedure regarding their dashboard cameras.
APD had previously said it was investigating why two officers did not turn on their dashboard cameras at the scene of the shooting. One officer did turn on the camera and recorded the incident. The contents of the recording have not been released, as the investigation is ongoing.
One member of the audience asked why APD does not keep the cameras turned on all the time. Acevedo said the department is looking into that, but noted that the system is costly.
Another question from the audience addressed why Sanders' body was outside the vehicle if he was shot inside it. Acevedo said the body was moved to assess Sanders' condition.
The five hours that Sanders' body rested in the same spot drew a lot of criticism at the time of the incident, and drew perhaps just as much at Monday's meeting.
Residents also called for the city to improve East Austin schools and social services. Many residents encouraged more involvement within the community, and some expressed appreciation for the opportunity to voice their concerns.
"I think sometimes just feeling like somebody is listening to you
helps somewhat, just to get your voice out there, your opinion out there," resident Debbie Miller said.
