A former Austin Police commander addressed the Citizens Review Panel Monday evening about changing A.P.D. disciplinary policies after he was fired in March.

Larry Oliver, a 26-year veteran with A.P.D. was backed by dozens of his former colleagues two of whom were at the center of a conversation he had with an A.P.D. commander.

Larry Oliver says he was fired for telling another officer about comments allegedly made by a commander regarding lesbian officers.  Department policy says he should have taken the matter to a supervisor.

Chief Art Acevedo gave Oliver a choice of a 30-day suspension or indefinite suspension.  Oliver says he chose indefinite suspension because he wouldn't get to appeal his case if he chose the 30-day suspension.

The A.P.D. commander who allegedly made the comments about female officers was suspended without pay for 20-days.

Oliver told the Citizens Review Panel Monday evening that he was uncomfortable going to his supervisor because of statements he'd overheard the supervisor making.

The Citizens Review Panel cannot get Oliver his job back; the panel can only make recommendations to the chief.

Oliver is appealing his firing.