AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, KXAN Midday Anchor Avery Travis sat down with Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis to discuss changes that have been made since a September shooting near Zilker Park.
Davis reflected on the miscommunication that occurred during the shelter-in-place and said she would have preferred the shelter-in-place to last a lot longer rather than end prematurely and put people at risk.
Davis spoke about a new change that was put in place as a result of the shooting near Zilker Park.
“Immediately, it was no one below the rank of a commander could give that order that it would be changed. So that at least gives me some comfort, that they’re going to understand what exactly is going on,” Davis said.
Davis also said the police department and Austin ISD were actively working on improvements in communication between the two. Davis stressed the importance of having the community be a part of that process.
On Sept. 26, APD, Austin ISD and the city of Austin hosted a meeting with parents of Barton Hills Elementary to discuss the errors in communication and to gather feedback.
“I want them to be a part of the process, and I want to hear from them again,” Davis said, “and I understand this frustration on the parent, and I’m a grandparent, so I totally understand that fear.”
Brandon Thompson, the man accused of the shooting near Zilker Park, currently faces a first-degree murder charge after allegedly shooting Kay Smith in the head. Thompson also injured APD officer Adam Reinhart.
KXAN Midday Anchor Avery Travis contributed to this report.
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