Cops’ dash-cam destroys police brutality charge; bystander’s video left out something key
August 2, 2015 | Carmine Sabia | 59 Comments
John C HarrisonThis is one case where getting the whole picture made the difference.
A video recorded by a bystander of two Kansas police officers wrestling a man on the ground began to go viral for purportedly showing police engaging in excessive force — until the cops provided their own videos.
While footage of the “brutality,” shot by the bystander looked rough, it started when the suspect John Harrison, 30, was already on the ground and police were attempting to handcuff him. What it didn’t show was what initially caused the rough response from police.
Fortunately, dash-cam and personal body camera videos provided to KSHB by the Lenexa Police Department paint a complete picture, showing Harrison taking a swing at the officers before being slammed to the ground.
Harrison was ultimately charged with two counts of battery against a police officer, having an open container, driving on a suspended license and obstructing the legal process.
The incident is a good example of why police should be armed with body cameras.
Otherwise, their fate, and careers might rest in the hands of amateurs with cell phone cameras looking for their 15 minutes of fame and a public itching to blame the police and who generally don’t care about gathering all the facts before passing judgement.
Read more:
http://www.bizpacreview.com/2015/08/02/cops-dash-cam-destroys-police-brutality-charge-bystanders-video-left-out-something-key-232066#ixzz3hflPOkeL
