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Resident tells Public Safety Commission he has been harassed by APD officers for years
Summary
At the commission meeting, Ruben Rivera‑Clemente senior delivered a public comment alleging long‑running harassment, vandalism and theft by members of the police department and said he has pursued complaints with local and federal oversight bodies.
Ruben Rivera‑Clemente senior told the Austin Public Safety Commission during public comment that he has been harassed and targeted by members of the Austin Police Department for more than 20 years.
Rivera‑Clemente said he has filed complaints with multiple oversight entities and elected officials and sought help from federal authorities. “I have done literally everything to stop this corruption,” he said. “Stop harassing me. Stop vandalizing my car. Stop stealing something from my apartment, and they know I’m right.”
He described repeated contacts with local internal affairs and external bodies, naming the FBI, the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, the city’s police monitor and multiple police chiefs by surname. Rivera‑Clemente told commissioners he has provided emails and letters to city leaders and local media and said he would be willing to take the matter to court. “This is the truth. The truth that I’m willing to go to court,” he said.
A commission member asked Rivera‑Clemente to confirm his name and the neighborhood he lives in; Rivera‑Clemente replied that he resides “by, Chila Bella’s area.” The chair then asked whether there were any additional public comments; none were offered.
The commission did not take formal action on Rivera‑Clemente’s comments during the meeting. Rivera‑Clemente’s remarks were recorded as public comment and are part of the meeting record.
The commission’s meeting later proceeded to scheduled agenda items, including quarterly reports and audits.
