Arvada, CO – 7 years ago, Arvada City commissioned to prioritize the liberty and comfort of police officers by not equipping them with body cameras. An article for the Greeley Tribune covered the Olde Town shooting in which three lives were taken. One of the lives included the officer who responded to the call.
The Ferguson police killing of Michael Brown in 2014 sparked outrage throughout the nation and inspired police reform throughout the nation. 17 out of 20 Law Enforcement agencies embraced new programs that encouraged body cameras on their officers. The Avada police department was not one of the Colorado departments that cooperated with the country’s sentiment at the time.
At the time, Arvada lawmakers didn’t join the rest of their state on the basis of the opinion that body cameras would not impact civilian relationships in a positive manner. A Colorado State Representative has argued that a body camera may have gathered more evidence to provide answers on the shooting.
How accountable can police body cameras hold officers accountable in Colorado?
Other than the town of Arvada, Colorado has been one of the most progressive and steadfast states when it comes to police reform. Officers are required to wear the cameras on their uniforms along with reporting every forced incident to the public and lawmakers. This ruling is an attempt to prevent chokeholds and other abusive tactics. Officers are required to release footage of each incident within two weeks. By standing officers must also stop another officer from engaging in brutal misconduct with another officer.
Can body camera footage be edited and used in court?
Despite Colorado’s forward-thinking rulings, body cameras have proven to be more of a band-aid than a cure. Body cameras have been effective as a tool if used with good intentions. Many police departments have been caught changing footage to favor them in criminal trials. Body camera footage can’t be used in civil proceedings or lawsuits.
What to do if the footage for my case is altered?
Colorado residents who feel like the bodycam footage was altered during their incident should contact our office today. Our expert team of attorneys is equipped and ready to handle all intricacies that involve documenting police misconduct.
Our team performs on a case-by-case basis so our defense will be customized to your needs. We work tirelessly to protect your rights from police brutality, and we are not afraid to take on challenges head-on. Get connected with our Colorado-based firm so we can start your defense!
Contact Us Today!
Our expert team at Bryan & Terrill Law, PLLC is ready to serve you and fight for the peace of mind you deserve! Our team performs on a case-by-case basis so our defense will be customized to your needs. We work tirelessly to protect your rights from police brutality, and we are not afraid to take on challenges head-on. Get connected with our Colorado-based firm so we can start your defense!
Bryan & Terrill Law, PLLC can be reached at:
333 W. Hampden Avenue, #420B
Englewood, CO 80110
Phone: 720-923-2333
