When the videotaped beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles hit the world in 1991 there was shock and outrage like never before. But since that time, many similar videos have come to light as nearly everyone carries a phone with video capabilities, poised to shoot when something goes awry. But, not everyone thinks this increased surveillance is good.
According to a USA Today, three states have tried to limit the public’s ability to record the police. In Maryland just last month, a man faced felony charges for videotaping an officer. Although the charges were thrown out, the case is evidence that lines are drawn on the issue.
They say the recordings are perhaps “undermining public trust in law enforcement and putting officer’s lives in jeopardy.” The fact is, the police actions are undermining public trust, not the recordings of those actions.
It’s asinine to think that the issue of public mistrust of the police should be handled by somehow keeping their actions hidden. Instead, the public’s trust issues need to be handled by creating more trustworthy departments.
Sure these videotaped episodes of police misconduct and abuse of power are rare. Most people recognize that not all cops are dirty or quick to act unethically. But, the police need to be proactive in building relationships in their communities if they expect the people to have any sort of faith in them.
In the Maryland case, the Superior Court judge ruled “Those of us who are public officials and are entrusted with the power of the state are ultimately accountable to the public.” And he is absolutely right. When your job is to protect and serve the public and your paycheck comes directly from the taxpayers you cannot argue that those very people have no right to hold you accountable for your actions.
A training Lieutenant for the Broward County Florida’s Sherriff’s Office said it well that “our people should be conducting themselves like they are being recorded all the time.” If the police are acting in a manner that they hope doesn’t get caught on film, they are doing something wrong.
People within the law enforcement and criminal justice community often underestimate the intelligence of the public. When shown video footage, most can differentiate between ethical behavior and unethical behavior.
If an officer has to use force and that force is truly warranted, they shouldn’t and likely wouldn’t be concerned with what people would think if they saw it on tape. But, if they act in a manner that in some way violates a person’s Constitutional rights, they should be ready to face the music whether or not their actions were captured on film.
Unfortunately, though videos are on the rise, very few cases have such a luxury. If you’re facing criminal charges today and have questions about the evidence against you or your options in court, contact us to speak with a local attorney for some advice on your case.
About David Matson