CLEVELAND — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on July 21, 2022.
The City of Cleveland's Safety Committee announced legislation that requires the Director of Public Safety to release body camera or dashcam footage within seven days in all incidents of police officers' use of deadly force.
Under the legislation, videos from incidents where use of force caused severe physical harm will also have to be released.
“I’ve been advocating for this a long time,” Councilman Mike Polensek, who sponsored the legislation about a year ago, said. “I pushed for body cams years ago. I support the police and believe having the footage helps police and citizens alike. The camera doesn’t lie.”
Cleveland City Council could pass the legislation as soon as Aug. 10.
If Cleveland City Council passes the legislation, the following will apply in police officer use of force situations:
“Released footage shall be from at least three City recording devices or, if the incident is recorded by fewer than three…, the released footage shall be from all City recording devices that recorded the incident. The released footage shall begin at least 60 seconds prior to the incident or at the beginning of the recording, whichever is shorter.”
In a press release, City Council stated that the Director of Public Safety, Chief of Police and Director of Law would not be required to release footage of an incident if there are legal prohibitions or court orders.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on May 20, 2022.
Do you want to be among the first to know the most important local and national news? Download the free WKYC app and get updates right on your phone: Android, Apple.