Austin Police Department Policy Manual

The Austin Police Department (APD) publishes its General Orders online, outlining policies for patrol operations, supervision, use of force, critical incident response, vehicle operations, administrative processes, and personnel management. The manual reflects a busy, fast-growing capital city with strong emphasis on constitutional policing, community expectations, and detailed use of force and documentation requirements.

For APD promotion prep, start by downloading or printing the General Orders index and marking the sections that are most likely to appear on exams: use of force and response to resistance, pursuits, arrests and searches, domestic violence, mental health contacts, complaints, and internal investigations. Build a study plan that rotates through:

- **Operational topics** (force, pursuits, arrests, calls for service).
- **Supervisory topics** (incident command, internal investigations, discipline, evaluations).
- **Administrative topics** (documentation, training, personnel actions).

For each major policy, write a short “If I am the supervisor…” paragraph that spells out what APD expects you to do when something goes wrong, when a complaint is made, or when force is used. This connects policy text to leadership behavior.

Key APD General Orders to emphasize include:

- **Use of force and response to resistance** – definitions, force options, reporting thresholds, review processes, and expectations for supervisory follow-up.
- **Vehicle pursuits and emergency driving** – when pursuits are allowed, risk assessment, supervisor decision-making, and termination procedures.
- **Arrests, searches, and detention** – legal standards, documentation, handling of special populations, and prisoner transport.
- **Domestic violence, juveniles, and mental health calls** – protective orders, mandated notifications, and use of crisis intervention resources.
- **Complaints, internal investigations, and discipline** – complaint classifications, investigation procedures, documentation, and possible outcomes.
- **Body-worn cameras and digital evidence** (if applicable) – activation, review, retention, and supervisor responsibilities.

For APD promotional exams:

1. **Expect fine distinctions.** Questions may hinge on small differences in policy language, especially around force reporting, pursuit restrictions, or complaint handling.
2. **Build flowcharts for complicated processes.** For example, sketch out the steps required after a use of force incident or an in-custody injury, including notifications and documentation.
3. **Practice with realistic Austin scenarios.** Consider situations involving large events, university areas, protests, and major highways, and apply the General Orders step-by-step.
4. **Rehearse explanations.** Practice explaining your decisions as if you were speaking to a review board: what you did, which General Order governed it, and how you ensured compliance.