Screenshot of article for paywall troubles here - https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/532a1e99-a214-4068-bf8f-52ba4d84a495.jpeg
Also, yes, I do think that headline is bending over backwards to avoid saying “bastard cops murdered someone and lied about it,” but the media’s unwillingness to say these things is part of the story in these cases imo
We need to have body cams standardized across the board. We always assumed cops say the truth. Their testimony passes as truth in court. After finding out how much they lie, we need to hold them accountable.
And harsh penalties (that are actually enforced) for officers turning them off or obstructing them in any way
Even better, an automatic presumptuon of guilt with weapon discharges and camera “malfunctions” with the onus on the officer to raise an affirmative defense successfully. Is it going to be burdensome for the police? Yes. But that’s the fucking point. Weapon discharges should be a true life or death last resort only
Even the military require that soldiers request a go ahead when they need to fire their weapon. Cops should do the same at a minimum. Or face consequences.