Use of body cams questioned after killings

CHARLOTTE, N.C.— The fatal shooting of a black man by a police officer in Charlotte is only the latest shooting to raise questions about how the department uses body cameras.

Six people were fatally shot since body cameras were given to all patrol officers about a year ago. But the officers who fired the fatal shots in five of those cases — including Keith Lamont Scott’s — weren’t using the cameras.

The weekend release of police footage showing the shooting of Scott did little to ease some residents’ concerns about its handling. More than 100 people jammed City Council chambers Monday night to voice their frustrations, calling for Mayor Jennifer Roberts and Police Chief Kerr Putney to resign.

“We have no reason to trust you, and you’re giving us even less,” Khasha Harris said at the forum. “Deep down somewhere, your conscience has to be bothering you.”

The Rev. Milton Williams, the last speaker of nearly 50 at the meeting, blamed police for actions that led to unrest over two nights

“Our city’s in an uproar, and you did not respond. Police escalated that temperature out there,” Williams said. “No justice, no peace. I’m going to be preaching that every Sunday.”

Roberts and Putney have taken criticism for their handling of the aftermath of the shooting, including the delay in the release of video showing the shooting.

Scott’s family and advocacy groups complain the department divulged only about three minutes of footage from two cameras. The footage includes body camera video from another officer but not the black officer who fatally wounded Scott.

Scott’s family said he didn’t have a weapon. They have urged the police department to release all other video footage it has, as well as audio recordings of communications that could clarify how the situation unfolded.