Readers React: Incomplete videos of police shootings don’t belong on TV

To the editor: Your editorial offers an excellent commentary on the official response to police shooting incidents. No one can argue with the need for a reasonably quick, thorough and professional review and public disclosure of these very serious incidents. (“Lynwood shooting demonstrates the limits of video evidence,” editorial, Dec. 15)

I am compelled, however, to note the total lack of responsible media disclosure of partial video exhibits of these incidents, captured on cellphone cameras by average folks with no professional training. If the TV stations that get hold of and air these videos were more responsible, they would encourage those submitting such evidence to go the authorities.

Unfortunately, many media outlets want to get the scoop on their competition and immediately offer these (I repeat, partial) videos to the viewing public, thereby inciting emotions and all too often riotous activity before the true facts can be conveyed.

If I were a shop owner whose establishment sustained damage as a result of such a riot, I might consider suing a television station to seek damages.

Jim Weyant, Big Bear City, Calif.

The writer is a retired Torrance Police Department captain and a retired L.A. County deputy district attorney.

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