That sounds nice in theory. In reality there are a ton of issues that can keep that from happening.
Technical Issues - Bodycam and in-car videos have to be downloaded to the server before they can be shared. And like all technology, the systems crashes... a lot.
Personnel needed - The videos don’t just magically appear. It takes manpower to download, process, and store video evidence. You would need a dedicated person(s)to watch, review, and edit videos to meet a 24 hr turn around time. Your smaller departments would not have the resources to make that possible.
Legal Issues - You will rarely see a video made public unless it has been cleared through the Department/City legal department. Releasing a video may contaminate potential jurors in a future criminal case. You could give suspects information they need to hide their actions. The families involved may not want to see their dead family member on TV.
This isn’t a complete list, but just some things to think about.
That sounds nice in theory. In reality there are a ton of issues that can keep that from happening.
Technical Issues - Bodycam and in-car videos have to be downloaded to the server before they can be shared. And like all technology, the systems crashes... a lot.
Personnel needed - The videos don’t just magically appear. It takes manpower to download, process, and store video evidence. You would need a dedicated person(s)to watch, review, and edit videos to meet a 24 hr turn around time. Your smaller departments would not have the resources to make that possible.
Legal Issues - You will rarely see a video made public unless it has been cleared through the Department/City legal department. Releasing a video may contaminate potential jurors in a future criminal case. You could give suspects information they need to hide their actions. The families involved may not want to see their dead family member on TV.
This isn’t a complete list, but just some things to think about.