APD: Cisco shooting is under review

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With angry phone calls still pouring into the department, Austin police say the circumstances involving Cisco’s death will be reviewed and the findings will be made public.

“We hear people loud and clear. They are concerned about it as we are,” said Assistant Chief David Carter.

Cisco, a blue-heeler dog, was shot and killed by Officer Thomas Griffin after the officer was given the wrong address for a disturbance call. Griffin shot Cisco after he says the dog charged at him.

“The department is still receiving a lot of calls and inquiries and rightfully so. People are concerned about the issue,” said Carter.

Chief Art Acevedo apologized to Michael Paxton, Cisco’s owner, on a morning radio show Tuesday.

Carter says the entire incident, from phone response to the officer’s tactics, will be reviewed.

“There are several pieces in the process right now that we are looking at.”

The policy for dealing with dangerous animals and the training will also be examined according to Carter who says the department will look at similar training programs across the country.

Officer Thomas Griffin received a good evaluation during the 2010-2011 time period including an 8 out of 10 rating under the “judgment” skill.

His supervisor said Griffin, an APD officer for two years, has a quiet demeanor, but good humor and exhibits good judgment in working his calls.

Councilman Mike Martinez says the city council has received more than 1000 emails about the Cisco case. They have asked animal services to examine different studies and models used around the country for dangerous animal training.

“There are other industry employees who encounter dangerous animals like letter carriers and meter readers, so this can’t be an anomaly in my mind,” said Martinez.