APD changes policy on
dealing with aggressive dogs
AUSTIN -- The shooting
death of Cisco, a seven-year-old blue heeler in East Austin, and the following
public outcry was an eye-opening experience for the Austin Police Department,
giving supervisors the opportunity to compare their policies with those of
police departments across the country.
In April, APD Officer
Thomas Griffin was responding to a domestic disturbance call on East 5th
Street. The caller gave the 911 operator the wrong address, which sent Griffin
to the home of Michael Paxton. Paxton and his dog Cisco were outside when
Griffin pulled up. Griffin says the dog charged at him, so he shot it.
Assistant Police Chief
David Carter held meetings with reporters Tuesday afternoon to announce the
findings of the investigation surrounding that shooting. He says the officer
did not violate any policies and will not be disciplined. However, the
department is going to make three changes.
From now on, all
police cadets will undergo a two-hour training on dogs and what to do if they
are approached by an aggressive dog. Other officers will have a condensed
training and will have to take an online course.
The second change
involves communications. When police are called out to a scene, the dispatcher
will be expected to tell cops if there is history of an aggressive dog at that
address. If there is, Animal Control will also be called out.
The final change
effects APD policy. If a cop shoots a dog, he or she will have to give a
detailed reason why in their police report. That report will be reviewed not
only by that officer's supervisor but will be sent up the chain of command.
The training could
start as early as Wednesday. The policy change will go into effect July 1.
Cicso's owner says he
is happy with the changes. He told KVUE News, "Something is definitely
better than nothing…and when it actually seems to be put into effect, I will be
much happier.”