“What tape exists of the first critical incident in the Midway district, due to a security camera, has not been released by the department. Chief Shelley Zimmerman has gone so far as to state that releasing these videos will be on a riot standard. Not only is the language itself provocative, but it reveals a lack of transparency on the part of the department. San Diego Police is known for it’s penchant for almost military secrecy, and keeping things vague. Yet, they speak often about community policing. Yes, the Department once led the nation in the process of creating community policing. These days It is the largest urban department with this wide spread deployment of body cameras which has not led to increased transparency.”
Council Member Marti Emerald, File Photo
Nov 13, 2015 (San Diego) On Wednesday City Council Member Marti Emerald said that the analysis of the stop data she ordered was to be delayed until June. Her reasons, she wants to wait until the full analysis is complete, and not release this piecemeal. She announced this at the Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee and this was a a non agenda item.
First off, there might be very solid reason why the council member has decided to delay this. She did not go into it fully, and that is not the point of this piece. This decision is taken in an environment of increasing distrust. Let’s list some of the reasons.
Body Cameras, which the city police has deployed, now wants to expand the program to the tune of over $1 million dollars for 2 more years, instead of 5 for 7…
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