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Proposed Wyo. bill would keep police video private

The public would not be able to see police recordings unless a person or the media convinces a judge there is compelling public interest

By Police1 Staff

CASPER, Wyo. — A proposed bill aims to keep police recordings out of public view unless someone convinces a judge there is compelling public interest for its release.

The Casper Star-Tribune reported that those backing the bill said videos don’t show the entire story, and the public can rush to judgement before an investigation is completed.

“There’s nothing stopping it from becoming the new YouTube or Facebook video,” said Senator Leland Christensen.

Critics say the bill blocks transparency between police and the public, in a time when transparency is important.

“I’m not a big fan of it,” Jeremy Brown, a local resident, told the publication. “To be honest, I think the state is trying to do a one-over on the citizens.

“We have to keep this transparent,” he said. “If we don’t have transparency, who is really running the show?”