Austin Police Chief Sparks Urgent Review After Officer Found Guilty of Shooting Mentally Ill Man

Oh boy, buckle up, folks! Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis is on a roll, mere weeks into her new gig. After an Austin officer was finally convicted for an on-duty fatal shooting, Davis sent out a frantic department-wide email, clutching her pearls and asking the tough questions.

"This decision deeply affects all of us," she lamented. "It is unsettling, and it raises questions that must be addressed by APD leadership." You don't say, Chief Davis? Maybe it's because officers keep shooting people who need help, not bullets!

Davis is rallying her troops to "develop a strategic plan" to prevent future tragedies. Groundbreaking, isn't it? She even wants the officers' input! I wonder if "stop shooting mentally ill people" will make the list?

In case you missed it, a Travis County jury found Officer Christopher Taylor guilty of deadly conduct in the death of Mauris DeSilva, a Sri Lankan researcher with mental health issues. Taylor could face up to 10 years in prison – though I'm sure he'd prefer a slap on the wrist and a stern talking-to.

Davis, who hails from the Cincinnati Police Department, hasn't even been officially sworn in yet. Welcome to Austin, Chief! We hope you brought your thinking cap – you'll need it to fix this hot mess of a department.

In the meantime, Davis encourages her officers to "take care of yourself and each other." Aww, group hug! Just remember, APD – don't shoot first, do ask questions. It's really that simple.

For more on this thrilling saga, keep your eyes peeled. Who knows what Davis & Co. will come up with next?

Source: Austin American-Statesman