The Mesa Police Department has released its review of the actions of former Winslow police officer Austin Shipley as they pertained to the Easter Sunday shooting death of Loreal Tsingine.
The reports provided by MPD explain that the investigation focused on alleged policy and procedure violations, and had no impact on the criminal investigation, which was completed over the summer by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The reports state that Mesa investigators did not come to any conclusions regarding potential violations, essentially providing their reports for Winslow city officials to review. With the DPS investigation clearing Shipley of any criminal wrongdoing, the investigation into Shipley’s actions on March 27 has come to a close.
Members of the Tsingine family indicated that they may seek civil damages for the shooting death, but Winslow officials have not received any information regarding a potential lawsuit.
Shipley submitted his resignation from the Winslow Police Department Oct. 31.
City Manager Steve Pauken noted following Shipley’s resignation, “Our plan moving forward is to continue with the organizational review of the police department, which will be complete by the first of the year. We will be selecting new leadership for the department after we evaluate the strengths and weaknesses. After that we hope to do better in all aspects for the department, not just regarding use of force.”
Since Shipley has resigned and his certification has not been revoked, he is eligible to apply to another law enforcement agency in the state. If he chooses to leave the state and apply to another agency, he will likely have to be recertified to that state’s standards.
