POLICE Department
Statement on Release of Body Camera Videos in Officer-Involved Shooting Incident at 6700 Cullen
July 21, 2016 - “The body camera footage doesn’t capture the shooting of Mr. Braziel. The two officers viewed the threat to themselves and the public as immediate, stopped their patrol vehicle and exited the vehicle even before it was in park. Once the threat was contained, officers activated their cameras.
There is a provision (Item 10: Failure to Activate BWC) in our body camera general order (which mirrors state law) under Failure to Activate the Camera that states “there may be circumstances where it is immediately necessary for the officer to act in order to ensure his safety or the safety of others. In those situations, it may be impractical or unreasonable for the officer to activate their BWC before taking police action. In these instances, the officer shall activate his BWC as soon as it is safe to do so, to ensure that the remainder of the incident is properly recorded.
HPD will continue to stress in training the importance of activating the BWC.
As to whether policies were adhered to in this case, that will be part of the investigation, which is still active. A copy of the HPD Body Worn Camera general order is posted on the HPD website at https://www.houstontx.gov/police/body_cameras/index.htm”
-Acting Chief of Police Martha I . Montalvo
Body camera and surveillance video footage in the shooting investigation are posted on the HPD YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mZQgdlWjwk
7-21-16
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
