Lack of Transparency: Bodycam footage often costly, heavily edited and takes months to get
Police programs created to build public trust are a ‘bait and switch', critics say
Officer Garrett O’Brien grabs a juvenile in the neck area in this heavily edited police footage from May 2018. Chokehold expert Dr. William Smock said he finds the maneuver troubling. Internal investigators didn’t cite O’Brien for any infractions. (Memphis Police Department bodycam footage)
Officer Colin Berryhill slides his arm under the chin of a juvenile he’s attempting to arrest in this heavily edited police footage from May 2018. Chokehold expert Dr. William Smock said he finds the maneuver troubling. (Memphis Police Department bodycam footage)
Officer Colin Berryhill waives his nightstick toward a group of juveniles in this heavily edited 2018 police video. (Memphis Police Department bodycam footage)
While investigating an auto burglary, Officer Garrett O’Brien approaches a group of juveniles in this heavily edited police footage from May 2018. Images are often blurred to protect the identity of juveniles and other privacy concerns, but they also often obscure police actions, making it difficult to assess whether officers acted improperly. (Memphis Police Department bodycam footage)
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The Institute for Public Service Reporting
The Institute for Public Service Reporting is based at the University of Memphis and supported financially by U of M, private grants and donations made through the University Foundation. Its work is published by The Daily Memphian through a paid-use agreement.
Police bodycam programs were created to promote transparency and build public trust, yet high costs and long waits for heavily edited footage makes those programs a ‘bait and switch,’ critics say.
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Critics advocate reforms to limit bodycam fees and redactions
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police bodycams Memphis Police DepartmentIn partnership with
The Institute for Public Service Reporting is based at the University of Memphis and supported financially by U of M, private grants and donations made through the University Foundation. Its work is published by The Daily Memphian through a paid-use agreement.
Marc Perrusquia
Marc Perrusquia is the director of the Institute for Public Service Reporting at the University of Memphis, where graduate students learn investigative and explanatory journalism skills working alongside professionals. He's won numerous state and national awards for government watchdog, social justice and political reporting. Follow the Institute on Facebook or Twitter @psr_memphis.
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