The Boston City Council formally called for a review of Boston Police body camera footage release policies in order to ensure “consistent procedures are in place,” after the shooting death of a man suspected of a carjacking in Roxbury earlier this month yielded a rare manslaughter charge for an officer without the public release of body camera footage.
On Wednesday, after nearly a half hour of debate, the council approved a resolution on a 9-3 vote. Councilors FitzGerald, Flynn and Murphy voted against the move while Councilor Sharon Durkan voted present.
The measure was brought by councilors Miniard Culpepper and Brian Worrell who are also seeking a hearing “to examine the Boston Police Department’s protocols for releasing body and dashboard camera footage,” in light of the fatal police shooting.
“As a body, we have no greater mandate at this moment than to ensure the public no matter where they land on tragic events that unfolded on March 11th, get the answers that they are looking for,” said Culpepper, adding that effective use of body cameras depends on clear policies.
“Right now, there’s still a lack of clarity about how and when body camera footage is released, especially in cases involving the use of deadly force,” he said. “Does the Boston Police Department have policies or protocols in place for releasing body cameras? If so, what are they? If not, why not? These are the questions that must be asked by the City Council.”
The move comes days after community organizers in Roxbury called for the release of the footage in the shooting death of 39-year-old Stephenson King.
In the days following the March 11 shooting, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced the charge against Officer Nicholas O’Malley, adding that no body camera footage would be released for risk of jeopardizing the incident investigation and the future prosecution connected to it.
During floor debate Wednesday, opponents questioned the timing of a resolution ahead of a hearing and public discussion on the policy. Opponents also questioned whether the Boston Police supported the action and suggested the council should have buy-in from the department on the decision.
In his floor remarks, Worrell said the move on the council is about clarity, accountability and trust.
“During an active investigation, the district attorney’s office controls the evidence, but the public is asking for clarity around the process and a clear timeline for the release of the body cam footage,” he said. “Because when people are met with silence instead of a process, trust breaks down.”
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office declined to comment following the vote.
Neither Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s office nor the Boston Police Department immediately responded to GBH News requests for comment.
