[WardFive] OPEN GOVERNMENT GROUP HOSTS VIRTUAL PROGRAM ON PUBLIC ACCESS TO POLICE BODY-WORN CAMERA VIDEOS

OPEN GOVERNMENT GROUP HOSTS VIRTUAL PROGRAM ON PUBLIC ACCESS TO POLICE BODY-WORN CAMERA VIDEOS

 

With video footage of excessive police force, including fatal shootings, reverberating across the country, the D.C. Open Government Coalition (DCOGC) is hosting a public virtual program at noon, Tuesday, Sept. 29, on public access to police body-worn cameras.

 

Presenters include Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety and author of the pending police reform bill. Also joining the discussion are: Niquelle Allen, Director of the DC Office of Open Government; Akousa Ali, President of the NAACP Washington Branch; Mitch Ryals, a journalist who writes for the Washington City Paper; and Jeffrey Roberts, Executive Director of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition.

 

Police reform remains an issue high on the agendas of cities and states across the country. And public access to police body-worn camera (BWC) footage has emerged as an integral part of proposals by community representatives for more access with police unions and departments asking for more restrictions. In the District, short-term emergency legislation has been enacted that temporarily expands public access to BWC videos, although costs and redactions remain obstacles to full access; permanent legislation will be considered by the Council next month, while a special Council Commission studies policing issues.

 

Attendance at this Zoom virtual program is open to the public. Please join here:

https://ropesgray.zoom.us/j/92329967211?pwd=eDFRaE9GblZpak8xOHJ3b jlhWEZFQT09 (Passcode: 963462)

Questions can be addressed to info@dcogc.org.