NCJ Number
151272
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 42 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1994) Pages: 77-82
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A 1993 Texas case in which a white police officer shot a black man who was tried for aggravated assault of a police officer demonstrates the role of mobile videotapes in police work and indicates that some defense attorneys will do anything to win and that some reporters will use any information for sensationalism.
Abstract
The police officer, Bryan Barnhart, activated his mobile video system before approaching the vehicle stopped for a burned-out headlight. He did not turn the system off until an investigator requested it. He turned the mobile videotape over to this Texas Ranger on the scene at the beginning of the internal affairs investigation. The defense never claimed that the tape was altered or changed. Instead, it tried to establish a conspiracy between the police officers and the prosecutors to cover up police misconduct. Its entire case was based on what the video did not show. Despite the defense attorneys' efforts, the defendant was found guilty of aggravated assault on the police officer. In addition, a grand jury investigation of the case concluded that Barnhart acted properly. The case demonstrates that the mobile video camera can work for police officers if they are properly trained in mobile videotaping techniques. This training should note the importance of pointing out facts that the video system may not indicate by itself. However, whether or not a mobile video is available as evidence, police officers will face the hardships of a trial in a shooting situation. Photograph