Police work, by its very nature, is subject to scrutiny by the public and the press. As police officers we often find ourselves quietly tolerating the skewed perspectives of the media. If you find yourself on the front page of the Courier-Journal or the "Top Story" for the news at 6, try to remember, there is little you can do about it. Your lone hope is that the reporter covering the story will remain fair, unbiased and impartial...
Before you find yourself muttering "Yeah Right", find comfort in the fact that these reporters do exist.
A recent incident ended with hostile crowds taunting police and attempts to interfere with the arrest. The incident occurred in the 600 blk of E. Kentucky when 4th division officers responded to a domestic-violence call involving a firearm. The victim claimed that she had been "pistol-whipped" in the head by her boyfriend and that the gun subsequently discharged.
Following the arrest, officers were confronted on the street with a large and hostile crowd. A WHAS 11 cameraman was on the scene and captured some dramatic coverage. A 17 year old juvenile is recorded entering the crime scene and engaging in a heated exchange of words with officers. The officers subdue and arrest the juvenile amidst shouts of "Police Brutality".
With video footage used at face value and a little creative wording, this could have easily been exploited as an excessive force incident caught on tape. Instead, a sharp eye and an unbiased approach, produces an accurately and fairly reported news piece.
Thank You Mr. Hyatt for taking the time to look...
Click Here To Watch The Video