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The Necessity of Transparency in Critical Incident Videos

Tamrin Olden shares best practices for law enforcement agencies creating critical incident videos. In today’s landscape, transparency is an absolute necessity.

Sep 18, 2024 | Video

TOC Photo/Video

In today’s dynamic landscape of public safety, transparency is an absolute necessity. This was a key message in a recent Lexipol webinar “Transparency Through Video: Best Practices for Creating Critical Incident Videos,” which was presented by Tamrin Olden of TOC Public Relations.

The Imperative of Transparency in Law Enforcement

As public expectations for clear and prompt communication continue to rise, law enforcement agencies must adapt to maintain trust and credibility.

Here are three takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Shifting Focus to Transparency: Public safety agencies are increasingly prioritizing transparent communication. “Community relations” was once a buzzword aimed at improving connections with the community. Now, having established those relationships, the focus has shifted towards transparency.
  • Community Expectations: The demand for transparency is partly driven by the ubiquitous use of smartphones and social media, where incidents are often recorded in real-time by bystanders. This makes it crucial for law enforcement agencies to quickly and accurately provide official narratives.
  • Consistency is Key: Establishing a reputation for transparency builds community trust and support. Regularly releasing videos explaining incidents fosters an expectation of accountability. “The community will rally around your organization because they know you consistently take ownership.”

Leveraging Body-Worn Camera Footage

A vital tool for achieving transparency is the release of body-worn camera (BWC) footage. While public video releases have been common since the introduction of BWCs, they have now become an expected standard.

  • Building Trust Through Regular Releases: Consistently sharing critical incident videos fosters community trust and demonstrates the agency’s commitment to transparency.
  • Educational Value: These videos can also serve as educational tools, helping the public understand the complexities of law enforcement actions.
  • Accurate Media Representation: Providing footage to the media ensures a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of incidents.
  • Recruitment and Retention: Transparent practices enhance agency reputation, making it an attractive place for potential recruits and current employees.

Another consideration to keep in mind is that when the media and social media users take snippets of a video and post it online, whithout any context or strategically on purpose to drive a narrative or lead people to misconceptions.

Timing Video Releases

Deciding when to release critical incident videos is a key consideration for agencies. While it’s impractical to release videos for every incident, regular releases demonstrate a commitment to transparency.

  • Educating the Public: Olden stresses the importance of releasing videos even when they don’t portray the agency in a positive light, as this educates the public and shows accountability.
  • Balancing Positive and Negative: Sharing videos of positive resolutions balances negative perceptions and enhances the agency’s reputation.
  • Legal Obligations: Compliance with state laws mandating the release of critical incident videos is essential, both edited and raw footage.

Best Practices for Video Creation

Here’s several best practices for creating and releasing critical incident videos:

  • Timeliness: Release footage promptly to ensure the agency’s narrative is part of the initial discourse. Delaying releases allows misinformation to spread.
  • Consistency: Transparency should be unconditional, with videos released for all significant incidents.
  • Clear Messaging: Provide context and explanation to help viewers understand the full scope of the incident.
  • Highlight Positive Actions: Proactively showcase positive interactions to balance public perception.

Legal and Policy Considerations

While transparency is crucial, it must be balanced with legal obligations and policies. Make sure to consult legal advisors and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

It’s essential to present facts honestly, as altering the narrative can lead to distrust when full footage is eventually accessed by lawyers and media.

Conclusion

In navigating modern public safety communication challenges, timely release of body-worn camera footage is essential. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) notes that BWCs, when combined with community policing strategies, promote transparency and trust.

Creating and releasing critical incident videos represents a positive step towards fostering transparency, accountability, and trust within communities. By sharing accurate accounts, agencies can swiftly address public concerns, demonstrate integrity, and strengthen relationships with the communities they serve. This practice not only enhances law enforcement credibility but also paves the way for a more informed and engaged public.

Author

  • Mike Bires of TOC Public Relations

    Mike Bires is a retired law enforcement officer from Southern California. He was one of the early adopters of social media for use in law enforcement. He has spoken at the IACP and in Washington DC on law enforcement social media. Today, Mike is the Director of Operations for TOC Public Relations and oversees their website development operations.