Austin police officer fired after receiving prison sentence for misconduct

In Austin, Texas, Christopher Taylor, a police officer with ten years of service, was sentenced to two years in prison without the chance of probation after a jury found him guilty of deadly conduct in the shooting death of Mauris DeSilva in 2019. DeSilva, who had a history of mental health issues, was brandishing a knife and threatening suicide when officers approached him. The incident raised significant concerns regarding the police response to mental health crises, particularly in light of the consequences faced by Taylor. Following his sentencing, Christopher Taylor was officially dismissed from the Austin Police Department and lost his peace officer license. This decision was met with strong reactions, particularly from the Austin Police Association, whose president, Michael Bullock, urged officers to avoid responding to mental health calls. Bullock criticized the current risk officers face, suggesting that the responsibility for these situations should shift to the Travis County District Attorney's Office instead. This controversy unfolded amidst ongoing scrutiny of the police department and its handling of mental health emergencies. Kathy Mitchell, a Senior Advisor of Equity Action, opposed the police union’s stance, arguing that officers must continue answering mental health calls, as they have received adequate training for such situations. Her pushback highlights the divided opinions regarding police engagement with mental health issues, especially following the conviction of an officer. Taylor is currently out on bond while he awaits the outcome of the appeal process. The case has amplified the discourse surrounding law enforcement's role in mental health crises, showcasing a fundamental conflict between officer safety and the responsibility to address vulnerable community members effectively. The District Attorney, Jose Garza, remained largely detached from the allegations directed at him by the police union, indicating that the intentions of the police association were not a priority in his considerations.