After weeks of public pressure, Philadelphia police on Sept. 8, 2023, released body camera footage capturing the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry by police in August.
The Conversation spoke to Jordan M. Hyatt, associate professor of criminology and justice studies and the director of the Center for Public Policy at Philadelphia’s Drexel University, to explain the rules controlling when the public gets to see body cam footage – and how Philadelphia’s legal framework compares to other places in the U.S.
How long have Philadelphia police been using body cams?
The department began using what are more formally known as “body-worn cameras” as part of a pilot program in 2014 – about seven years after the cameras first became availablein the U.K. However, their use in Philadelphia did not become widespread until 2017. Even now, only about 68% of all officers wear one, according to numbers provided by the Philadelphia police.
In deciding to release footage, the Philadelphia police and district attorney try to balance state and federal rules with the wishes of the victim and their family, the need to preserve the integrity of videos as evidence in a criminal trial, ongoing investigations and public safety concerns.
Can a resident of Philadelphia ask for video to be released?
Yes, but the process can be slow and is rarely successful. A detailed request must be submitted within 60 days of the incident either in person or by certified mail. The requesting party must also pay the costs associated with the request.
State laws and local regulations require the law enforcement agency to first decide if a video can be released and provide an explanation for any denial. Decisions can be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas – a judicial process that can take quite some additional time.
Why has the Irizarry case drawn so much attention?
Initially, the Philadelphia police declined to release the Irizarry footage, citing the ongoing investigation. And, at first, District Attorney Larry Krasner agreed to withhold it.
After weeks of public pressure, Philadelphia police on Sept. 8, 2023, released body camera footage capturing the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry by police in August.
The Conversation spoke to Jordan M. Hyatt, associate professor of criminology and justice studies and the director of the Center for Public Policy at Philadelphia’s Drexel University, to explain the rules controlling when the public gets to see body cam footage – and how Philadelphia’s legal framework compares to other places in the U.S.
How long have Philadelphia police been using body cams?
The department began using what are more formally known as “body-worn cameras” as part of a pilot program in 2014 – about seven years after the cameras first became availablein the U.K. However, their use in Philadelphia did not become widespread until 2017. Even now, only about 68% of all officers wear one, according to numbers provided by the Philadelphia police.
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