Let’s demand proper stewardship of body worn camera footage. Let’s face the fact that the consequences to citizens, by creating public records, persist long after the video is erased from the server.
My department was one of the first major police departments to outfit all police officers with body cams.
At first. It was a pain. The data storage. Tagging videos and adding case numbers to every call. It was an extra hour of admin work every day.
But, after a few years - I would never take a call without wearing one. As union rep and IA investigator - I have seen them vindicate so many good cops who were falsely accused.
I’m curious. Thoughts on the Ma’kaya Bryant case? They were getting ready to riot until the PD quickly released body cam.
Thank you my friend. I've seen the many benefits, especially in DV and SV cases. I'm not anti-BWC as much as anti poor administration. My friend was a DUI commander pre BWC and after some hesitancy, no one would drive a car without video. As far as the Bryant case, the news reports I followed, including @policelawnews, the BWC inflamed the hustlers. If anything smothered the fire, it was the Kroger video.
Actually my mistake. Thanks for reminding me of this case. Another Columbus, Ohio case. I will agree with you on that case. The BLM ministry of propaganda still label it as 'police violence.' When you have time, we need to have that conversation about 'police violence' and 'excessive force' and collaborate on some writing and probably a podcast. Keep up the great work!
You've outdone yourself as usual! Interesting perspective on BWCs. And the outrage by the law enforcement community is most certainly justified!
My department was one of the first major police departments to outfit all police officers with body cams.
At first. It was a pain. The data storage. Tagging videos and adding case numbers to every call. It was an extra hour of admin work every day.
But, after a few years - I would never take a call without wearing one. As union rep and IA investigator - I have seen them vindicate so many good cops who were falsely accused.
I’m curious. Thoughts on the Ma’kaya Bryant case? They were getting ready to riot until the PD quickly released body cam.
Great article!!!
Thank you my friend. I've seen the many benefits, especially in DV and SV cases. I'm not anti-BWC as much as anti poor administration. My friend was a DUI commander pre BWC and after some hesitancy, no one would drive a car without video. As far as the Bryant case, the news reports I followed, including @policelawnews, the BWC inflamed the hustlers. If anything smothered the fire, it was the Kroger video.
I think I spelled the name wrong. But it was a 2021 case. Literally one of the most justified police shootings ever caught on video.
They were ready to riot.
Body cam saved the city.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/04/21/fact-check-makhia-bryant-holding-knife-while-shot-columbus-police/7321951002/
Actually my mistake. Thanks for reminding me of this case. Another Columbus, Ohio case. I will agree with you on that case. The BLM ministry of propaganda still label it as 'police violence.' When you have time, we need to have that conversation about 'police violence' and 'excessive force' and collaborate on some writing and probably a podcast. Keep up the great work!
Would love to! one of my articles is called. “Police violence” is a myth. That term infuriates me.
Me too!