Local news- Press Release
Greensboro North Carolina - City Announces Decision to Appeal Release of Body Worn Camera Footage 04 March 2024 ( news )
Greensboro , state North Carolina ( By Press Release office)
Mar 04,2024
| 6| 0
Mayor Nancy Vaughan Statement
I am a staunch advocate for transparency and accountability in law enforcement .
Throughout my tenure , I have consistently supported the timely release of police body - worn camera footage under certain circumstances .
In fact , this week , we are taking a significant step by petitioning for the release of footage related to an officer - involved shooting .
This video will include the crucial moments leading up to the incident , the event itself , and its immediate aftermath . It underscores the invaluable nature of body - worn camera footage in shedding light on critical events .
However , as we pursue transparency , we must also remain vigilant in protecting the privacy rights of our citizens .
Calling 911 should not equate to relinquishing one ' s right to privacy .
I am deeply concerned that recent rulings may set a troubling precedent , potentially discouraging individuals from seeking assistance in emergencies .
Let us consider the gravity of a family in crisis reaching out for help . The body - worn camera not only captures the distressing events but also invades the sanctity of their home , exposing vulnerable moments that can include minors and uninvolved individuals .
It is an intrusive experience , often unfolding on one ' s darkest day .
In the case at hand , releasing this footage may subject certain family members to undue scrutiny and potential ridicule .
Once made public , there is no controlling how this footage may be used or how long it will linger on the internet .
I firmly believe that individuals , particularly those considered victims , should have the right to safeguard their privacy . Any decision to release such footage must be made with the explicit consent of all involved parties .
There was a brief conversation between the city manager , the police chief , and one of the officers .
By the time the police entered the City Manager’s house , the situation was de - escalated . No one was in jeopardy and the police took no physical action .
I would ask people to consider how they would feel if they were forced to call 911 and they knew that there was the possibility that their worst moment could be broadcast to the world .
Again , I strongly believe in the value of body - worn cameras especially when it portrays a critical incident .
It is imperative that we uphold the trust and confidence of our community members in seeking assistance during times of crisis .
As we navigate this complex landscape , let us remember the delicate balance between transparency and privacy .
We must strive to uphold both principles with unwavering integrity , ensuring that justice is served while preserving the dignity and rights of all individuals involved .
Chief John Thompson ' s Statement
As your Police Chief , it is my responsibility to provide context and transparency involving the department’s response to the city manager’s home back in December .
The issue has understandably raised concerns within our community .
We recognize and respect the gravity of the situation and the importance of accountability in maintaining community trust that we continually work to earn .
First and foremost , I want to assure the community that the integrity of our department remains steadfast .
I can unequivocally affirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism , and integrity .
I am proud of the professionalism and integrity our officers displayed during their response .
Allow me to provide a run - down of events to give deeper context to the incident that night .
Patrol officers with the GPD responded promptly to a reported altercation at City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba ' s residence on the night of December 28 , 2023 .
I ensured adherence to standard operating procedures by speaking with one of the first responding officers , instructing them to de - escalate the situation , separate parties if necessary , and document all interviews .
I also requested the response of a supervisor to the scene , given the sensitive nature of the event .
The City Manager called to alert me of an altercation that occurred in his home .
At no time did Mr . Jaiyeoba nor anyone from the city manager’s office request a deviation from normal investigative procedures .
Responding officers and paramedics evaluated the condition of the daughters ,
who displayed no observable signs of injuries
.
According to department policy , for officers to arrest without a warrant following a report of domestic violence , the officer shall have probable cause to arrest when two primary factors exist a person has alleged an assault has taken place ( domestic violence ) ; there are observable signs of violence that are reasonably believed to have come from the alleged assault .
The city manager is not above the law , but he’s also not beneath the law . Probable cause must be established before an officer can make an arrest . The evidence , facts , information , and statements did not support probable cause .
Officers just cannot arbitrarily arrest people out of emotion . There must be evidence and probable cause present to make an arrest
Responding officers followed department policy and state law to the letter .
I not only stand behind the actions of responding officers , I commend them , recognizing just how dynamic of a situation they were managing .
Mr . Jaiyeoba was the only party present on the scene who had an observable injury . However , he could not confirm if his injury was the result of an assault during the incident .
Responding officers completed detailed investigative notes , which were promptly submitted to a senior investigator for follow - up the next morning .
Following the completion of the investigation , the senior investigator consulted with the District Attorney’s Office , and it was determined that criminal charges were not warranted due to insufficient evidence supporting probable cause for an arrest .
A judge authorized the March 4 , public release of four body - worn camera videos from the night of the incident .
The Greensboro City of Greensboro has decided to appeal the judge ' s ruling .
This decision stems from the City’s unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the investigative process , safeguarding the privacy of the involved parties , and avoiding the inadvertent exposure of sensitive information .
While we recognize the importance of transparency , we believe that appealing this ruling is necessary to ensure that all aspects of the investigation are conducted with the utmost care and consideration for the individuals involved .
By taking this step , we aim to maintain the integrity of the investigative process while upholding the rights and dignity of all parties .
The City would and has taken the same position regardless of who the party is .
The City must respect our community’s privacy and protect the integrity of investigations during incidents involving sensitive matters .
The department restricted online access to the incident report due to sensitive information . This is department policy concerning reports related to domestic - related incidents .
However , under those circumstances , a public copy of an incident report can be provided upon request which was done .
This process has been active for several years , regardless of the parties involved .
In closing , I want to emphasize that while recent events may have tested the bonds of trust within our community , they have also provided an opportunity for growth and reflection .
We recognize that trust is not a given , but rather something that must be continually earned through our actions , our transparency , and our unwavering commitment to serving with integrity .
As we navigate through these challenges , I urge our community to stand together with us , united in our shared goal of fostering a safer , stronger , and more resilient community .
Together , we can overcome adversity , bridge divides , and forge a path forward built upon the principles of justice , equity , and accountability .
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the members of our community who have voiced their concerns and stood alongside us in this journey .
I will now open up the floor to questions .
Return to previous page >>
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information :
Direct link to press release:
Click here .
