Body Camera Footage Delays Create Headaches for Shreveport Law Enforcement
Shreveport, La. – The tragic death of Alonzo Bagley, who was shot during a police pursuit earlier this year, has placed a spotlight on a significant issue within the legal system here in Caddo Parish. As investigators piece together what transpired that night, a crucial piece of the puzzle is the footage from body and dash cameras that officers were wearing and using. However, the process to review and share this video evidence has run into some serious bumps in the road, creating a ripple effect that is impacting the entire justice system.
Mounting Footage Leading to Delays
According to Judge Donald Hathaway from Caddo District Court, the new technology being used to record encounters has led to a massive influx of video data. “Now with the new technology, the amount of video footage we have has been compounded greatly,” he noted. With numerous officers on the scene during highly publicized incidents, the task of collecting and reviewing footage can feel almost insurmountable.
To make matters worse, the department had already found itself falling behind in compiling evidence during the COVID-19 pandemic and has struggled to catch up ever since. Captain Janice Dailey, who oversees the video processing operation, revealed that requests for footage have also seen significant changes. It’s no longer just about getting video from the arresting officer; now, it’s about collecting video from everyone involved.
Bottleneck in the System
A recent report from the Criminal Justice Task Force laid bare the issues, stating that the backlog of video evidence has created a “bottleneck in criminal cases.” This scenario results in continuances at court and keeps individuals awaiting trial at the Caddo Correctional Center longer than necessary. Public Defender Michelle Andrepont emphasized just how critical this footage is for the defense, explaining, “As of May, SPD was 10 months behind in submitting video to the District Attorney’s office.” She continued, “Our attorneys can’t proceed to trial or properly advise clients until they know what evidence the state has against them.”
Partnerships to the Rescue
Stepping in to address the pressing backlog, Caddo Sheriff Henry Whitehorn sent two deputies to assist the Shreveport Police Department in tackling the delays specifically for cases tied to the detention center. “We’ve had two deputies helping four days a week, which has significantly reduced the backlog,” stated Captain Dailey about the new collaborative effort. The SPD is also working to bolster its staff and implement innovative technologies to help bridge the gap.
At present, SPD’s process involves burning DVDs of the footage and hand-delivering them to the District Attorney’s office. As Dailey mentioned, “I don’t know when you last burned a DVD, but it’s not a fast process.” Each burn can take upwards of 30 to 40 minutes, which adds up quickly when dealing with a backlogged system.
Looking Towards the Future
Sheriff Whitehorn has been a vocal advocate for technological upgrades within the justice system. “We’ve offered digital solutions to expedite the process,” he noted. If the proposed changes take root, the hope is that operations can be streamlined, facilitating faster case resolutions in the future.
As Shreveport continues to wrestle with these systemic obstacles, the community remains invested in finding solutions that not only honor the memory of individuals like Alonzo Bagley but also ensure justice is served swiftly and fairly.
