Is releasing raw, unfiltered body camera video direct to the public causing more harm than good?

I think releasing these videos is a good thing for society. However, I will admit that circumstances will get worse before they get better. These videos are shedding light on how certain segments of our society are being treated by a small portion of law enforcement officers. While I do expect short-term backlash, I don't see how these problems will ever get resolved otherwise. So, the short-term pain is worth the long-term gain. Just my $0.02. Transparency is rarely a bad thing when it comes to government.

We have become a technology driven society used to instant gratification so any attempt to filter or delay camera video would be a violation of free speech and freedom of information laws. IMO this issue will get worse before it gets better. Law enforcement isn't trained or prepared for the consequences of their procedures being posted as they are going down. The days of the rogue cop are on the way out as more and more body cams and citizens with smartphones are out there. Until all law enforcement agencies realize that their actions have become transparent in this digital age we will continue to see actions that are disturbing to the public and undermine their authority.

It all depends on who releases it and whether or not they release the entire video and tell the whole story. If they are doing it for biased reasons to sway public opinion without the entire story, then no. The news media has become so biased today that people very seldom get the whole story. They do it now based on what's the juicier story not proper unbiased reporting as should be. I scrutinize everything I hear or read in the news. I question it, which is what I think more people should do. It's like I always say, "even in the biggest lie you could find the truth if you look hard enough," that's why I take what's being reported with a grain of salt.