First installment of INA police video investigative series available!
INA members have started publishing the series in their local newspapers
The Iowa Newspaper Association launched a statewide project focused on police video rules, regulations and associated policies late last year. Since the launch of the project, over 50 different journalists from across the state have requested copies of these policies from local police departments, sheriff departments and other law enforcement agencies.
Some INA members have already taken advantage of multi-part series of investigative articles, available without charge to all!
The first part of the series highlights that a decade after law enforcement agencies in Iowa started using body cameras, there are a widely-divergent and unregulated system of rules and policies in place, according to a review of more than 200 policies. Those disparities can endanger the ability of everyday Iowans to answer questions about a family member’s death or prove their innocence. This story, the first in the In Focus series, highlights disparities in video use, retention and public release, along with examples of police videos that have been made available through the efforts of Iowa newspapers and the public.
The installment became available to all INA members for download Thursday, Jan. 28. We strongly encourage all newspapers to download and use the story and available graphics. If you are interested in access, please fill out the publication sign up form at https://inanews.com/membersonly/infocus (the password news), to sign up. The link is on the right hand side. Those requesting access will receive instructions on how to download the first installment in the series.
The Iowa Newspaper Association would like to thank the project team of Jared Strong, Carroll Times Herald; Erin Jordan and Zack Kucharski, Cedar Rapids Gazette; and Jason Clayworth, formerly of The Des Moines Register and the over 50 journalists from across the state who assisted in gathering policies.
To learn more about the project, upcoming stories and how you can help, visit https://inanews.com/membersonly/infocus which is available in the member area with the password news.