AUSTIN, Texas — The conviction of Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor is prompting an urgent response from the top brass of Austin Police Department leadership to prevent similar future incidents like the one that killed Mauris DeSilva.
That's according to an email sent to the entire department from Austin's new Police Chief Lisa Davis reacting to the verdict.
Chief Davis has not yet been officially sworn in as the next Austin police chief but she is responding to Taylor's conviction on a deadly conduct charge, calling it "unsettling" and acknowledging the impact on the rank-and-file and community.
On Sunday, she spent hours with her executive team discussing about what comes next.
In her email to the department, Chief Davis said, "This decision deeply affects all of us. It is unsettling and it raises questions that must be addressed by APD leadership. We must ensure that all APD officers feel confident and prepared to encounter unpredictable and dangerous situations."
She went on to say, "We will develop a strategic plan to address this verdict. We value your input, and it will help us as we take action to prevent similar tragedies in the future."
Chief Davis is one month into her job, arriving in Austin from the Cincinnati Police Department. She now oversees a department that had never seen an officer convicted criminally in an on-duty shooting.
Chief Davis must also decide the future of Taylor's APD employment in coming days. Under state licensing rules, officers convicted of a felony generally face revocation of their license.
The chief ended her email to the department adding that as APD addresses the verdict, they will do so together.
Her full email can be found below:
“Today we learned that a Travis County jury convicted Austin Police Officer Christopher (Chris) Taylor of deadly conduct. This decision deeply affects all of us. It is unsettling, and it raises questions that must be addressed by APD leadership. We must ensure that all APD officers feel confident and prepared to encounter unpredictable and dangerous situations.
“I did not have the chance to work with Chris. I know that this is exceptionally challenging for those of you who personally know Officer Taylor and his family. I can’t imagine the anguish felt by Chris’s family and friends today.
“I will meet with our executive team and the APA tomorrow. Together, we will develop a strategic plan to address this verdict. I have already spoken with many of you. I, and executive staff members, will also be in show ups and in the field to hear from you. We value your input, and it helps direct us as we take action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.”