Video documentation has become important in exposing racist behavior by the police and others, but it is not automatic that filming will help every situation. In "How to Safely and Ethically Film Police Misconduct," WITNESS, a human rights organization, offers recommendations on how to ethically and safely film violent and discriminatory policing. Read the article for detailed information; see below for some highlights.
1. Focus on your safety and the safety of the target
2. Know your rights--in the U.S. you have first amendment rights to record police in public settings as long as you don't interfere.
3. Be prepared--for example, use a 6 digit pass-code for your phone and set your phone to automatic backup.
4. Film with an eye to the larger context--how many police, how many others, what is happening.
5. Film evidence that shows what you are filming is real--film something to determine the location, the day and time, do continuous filming.
6. Make a decision about whether or not to narrate--if you narrate, stick to descriptions.
7. Think through a strategy before you share or consider getting the ACLU app "Mobile Justice."
In "Why Filming Police Violence Has Done Nothing to Stop It," Ethan Zuckerman reminds us that without dismantling systemic racism, filming violence will not be enough to stop it.
