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

2016-07-14T13:29:37-04:00

Here is another one. We don't know the whole story but it's all over the news. Another deadly shoot of a person by the police. However, not knowing the whole story is it harming due process by releasing this unfiltered video to the public?

http://video.foxnews.com/v/ [login to see] 001/warning-graphic-video-body-cam-footage-of-deadly-shooting/?#sp=show-clips

Warning, graphic video: Body cam footage of deadly shooting

Raw video: Fresno police release video of fatal shooting after 19-year-old ignored officers' commands

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Jul 14 at 2016 1:40 PM

2016-07-14T13:40:03-04:00

So everyone yelled and screamed about police brutality, and the he said she said defense, and were screaming that the Police should have body cameras to protect all parties involved. So now they have cameras, and the incidents are being shown to the public. Like the old saying goes, be careful of what you ask for.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 14 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-07-14T13:50:26-04:00

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.

Response by SPC James Harsh made Jul 14 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-07-14T13:50:56-04:00

Sgt Jeffrey Clish - That is a good question about affecting due process with an immediate public release, however I agree that it should be readily accessible and for far more interactions not just select ones. We know video whether in it's entirety or not, from other sources, released to the public can have a similar reaction. People will point out that Police are civil servants with an emphasis on 'servant' which is okay, not demeaning in the least. It seems that people want police to do the dirty work without having to concern themselves with what that really entails. I think there should be more footage, fill up the news cycle with it and let everyone see what's really going on, why not?

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 14 at 2016 2:01 PM

2016-07-14T14:01:10-04:00

Good or bad, today's technology provides a means to video or take pictures and freely distribute them. The he only was to get at the truth is by cameras actively video taping event from start to finish of all encounter. AND dashboard cameras for a distance view of what happens. That would ensure protection for both parties, The main issue is partial videos by civilians can get out immediately, not so much law enforcement.

Response by SGT C Mendez made Jul 14 at 2016 2:05 PM

2016-07-14T14:05:08-04:00

The videos should be released....AFTER the investigation is concluded. It is an ongoing investigation and should be treated as such. It is not denying the public access but this cannot be tried in the court of public opinion. There is a system in place and it should be used.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jul 14 at 2016 2:15 PM

2016-07-14T14:15:00-04:00

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.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 2:17 PM

2016-07-14T14:17:46-04:00

The public should have access to any government information unless it is classified information. In that case we just put it on a private server.

The problem with the stuff being released is that very often it only tells part of the story - the ending. Things leading up to the end are not necessarily available.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jul 14 at 2016 3:33 PM

2016-07-14T15:33:30-04:00

My ONLY concern is that body cams aren't perfect. They have a limited perspective that can often misrepresent what actually happened, especially in close quarters. I wish I could find the video, but there's a professor that did a series on that where he showed how different angles told very different stories from the bodycam.

That said, access to that footage shouldn't ever be in question. Officers have absolutely no right to privacy in the course of their duties.

Response by LCpl Hilton Hoskins made Jul 14 at 2016 3:51 PM

2016-07-14T15:51:06-04:00

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.

Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made Jul 14 at 2016 4:18 PM

2016-07-14T16:18:58-04:00

All I got to say is this guy was asking to be shot. I watch this clip twice and lost count of the number of times HE FAILED to follow police instructions. Rather than keep his hands where the responding officers could see them HE reached like HE was trying to bring out a gun. If there was a gun, this is a clean case. If there is no gun, I still believe the officer acted correctly to protect himself and his partner.