City Releases Body Worn Camera Footage
Published on June 05, 2020
June 16, 2020 UPDATE:
Over the last two weeks, residents have expressed their outrage and demand for change stemming from the arrest of an African American man on May 23, for resisting, delaying, or obstructing peace officers.
The City is committed to implementing meaningful reforms that take a critical look at our current policies and what we can do to further promote racial justice. Last week, the City called for an independent outside investigation of the May 23 incident. The two initial responding officers have been assigned to administrative leave during the independent investigation. And in response to recent changes in California law, the Alameda Police Department revised their use of force procedures.
Because this is an active investigation, the City is limited on the questions we can respond to for now. But we want you to know that we are committed to being as transparent as possible throughout this process, and as we continue to evaluate our policies, we will open up a dialogue with the community.
This Wednesday, June 17, at 5:30 pm, there will be a special City Council meeting to discuss police reforms. Members of the public can watch the meeting on livestream or join the meeting by Zoom: https://legistar1.granicus.com/alameda/meetings/2020/6/5209_A_City_Council_20-06-17_Meeting_Agenda.pdf
And this Friday, June 19, is Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery 155 years ago. Yet here we are, 155 years later, and African Americans are not free from racism. This Juneteenth, let’s lean in together for change. We will share more soon about ways you can celebrate Juneteenth, but today, join us in making a commitment to be part of the change that is coming. We are listening, we are learning, and we will do the work.
City Releases Body Worn Camera Footage of May 23 Police Detainment of African American Resident
City of Alameda — Earlier this week, Alameda Police Chief Paul Rolleri committed to releasing all of the body worn camera footage from Alameda Police Department (APD) officers who were at the scene on May 23, 2020, when officers detained an African American Alameda resident after they received a call for service.
The footage has been redacted only to protect the privacy of the public.
There are 6 videos in total. Below are links to 5 videos. The 6th video contains footage with members of the public and needs further redactions. We will release the 6th video on Monday, June 8.
Warning: This content may be disturbing to some viewers.
View the video footage at these links:
Added June 8, 2020: https://youtu.be/EDf9ZbNyqE4
https://youtu.be/Z1N218VPwDA
https://youtu.be/6gmHbQ8ygf0
https://youtu.be/3qipgy5A9aM
https://youtu.be/E5cFvcBTVW4
https://youtu.be/2L2UsVyDyJc
Listen to the audio from the call to APD's non-emergency line:
Listen to the radio call here:
Statement from City Manager Eric Levitt
"On May 23rd some of our officers were involved in a use of force incident that took place in the 2000 block of Central Avenue around 7:45 am. Cell phone video regarding the incident has circulated on social media and raised understandable concerns from residents over how the encounter was handled. Today we are releasing the body worn camera footage from the case. In Alameda, transparency is important, and we believe open lines of communication create trust with our community. Due to concerns regarding the incident, we will be having an independent investigation. Some have questioned why it has taken some time to release this footage. Due to privacy concerns regarding our residents and state laws, we needed to redact individual faces in order to protect their privacy.
I am interested in moving the Department in a positive direction. At this time, I do not know the reasons why the initial officers approached the call the way they did. I am hopeful that an investigation will provide better understanding to that question. I have spoken with the POA President and understand that he shares my interest in having the Department work with the community in addressing concerns brought forward by the community.
As always, thank you Alameda for being engaged and caring about your community."
CONTACT: Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
415-279-7671, shenry@alamedaca.gov