In the wake of the sentencing of Officer Christopher Taylor, Austin Police Department (APD) Chief Lisa Davis has issued a statement addressing the future direction of the department. This sentence comes after a period of intense scrutiny over the actions of the APD officer and their consequences. In her remarks, Chief Davis expressed her sorrow for the toll that this incident has taken on the community and the police force. "I am saddened by the fact that so many have been impacted by this tragic event," she said, according to a statement obtained by the City of Austin.
Chief Davis, who has not been at the helm of APD for long, emphasized her commitment to making changes within the force. The imperative, she suggests, is to understand the underlying factors leading to such events and to tackle them head on. While acknowledging the talent present in the department, Davis assured that the police underwent constant reexamination of their practices to better serve the public. "One of my primary commitments as Chief is to earn our community’s and officers’ trust through transparency, accountability, and action. and although I have been the Chief here only a relatively short time, I know that the Austin Police Department is continually re-evaluating its training and practices to provide the highest level of service to the community," she said in her statement.
Under her leadership, Chief Davis has made it clear that there will be a focused direction for the APD moving forward. The emphasis will be on life preservation and the wellness of officers as much as it is on safety. Davis asserts that changes will be rooted in constitutional policing and will aim to increase the department's legitimacy and adherence to proper procedures. "The foundation of our practices will be grounded in constitutional policing, police legitimacy, and procedural justice," emphasized the Chief in her official communication.
Pledging to prevent future tragedies, Davis put forth a vision for the APD that is grounded in thorough training and the psychological well-being of its officers. To see this vision to fruition, she is counting on support from the city's leadership for the necessary leadership, training, and resources. "Our personnel need and deserve the very best leadership, training, and resources. I am confident that city leadership will support us in this endeavor," she elaborated in her statement. With these initiatives, Chief Davis and her department hope to not just mend but to strengthen the bond between the community and its protectors.
