This Week in Stupid Cop Behavior (No. 3,418,592 in a series)

Discussion in 'Race, Religion, Science and Politics' started by Winston Smith, May 4, 2017.

  1. Winston Smith

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    Certainly, the modern proliferation of cellphones, digital cameras, and dash cams have at least helped those victimized by the government and cops to at least document the allegations that black folk and others have made about law enforcement brutality. When body cams for cops were played up by do-nothing political types in light of recent encounters, I just eyerolled. If cops are given discretion as to when the cameras can and cannot be operated, the camera and footage might be useless. Case in point, this article from Ars Technica:

    Cop fakes body cam footage, prosecutors drop drug charges

    "Prosecutors in Pueblo, Colorado are dropping felony drug and weapon-possession charges after an officer involved in the case said he staged body cam footage so he could walk 'the courts through' the vehicle search that led to the arrest.

    "The development means that defendant Joseph Cajar, 36, won't be prosecuted on allegations of heroin possession and of unlawful possession of a handgun. The evidence of the contraband was allegedly found during a search of Cajar's vehicle, which was towed after he couldn't provide an officer registration or insurance during a traffic stop. Officer Seth Jensen said he found about seven grams of heroin and a .357 Magnum in the vehicle at the tow yard. But the actual footage of the search that he produced in court was a reenactment of the search, the officer told prosecutors."
    (Complete story at Ars Technical link above)

    At best (and their really is no best in this situation), this officer might be guilty of misrepresenting material facts in proceedings or perjury. You can bet that if a defense attorney, or hell, even a federal prosecutor did something like this, she or he would be fired, disbarred, and brought up on charges (I've seen this happen to attorneys and judges). At worst, this officer might have forged or planted false evidence against an individual.

    Moral of the story: People should not be overly quick and reliant to be swayed by digital footage. Body camera-ness is not next to Godliness. While victims of police brutality rightfully use digital technology to counter the imbalance of actions against the weak, we should always be ready to examine footage proffered by cops and prosecutors, lest psychology and the court of public opinion force a narrative against defendants that could be false.

     
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