Police To Question Man In Videotaped Dispute Outside Apartment

KNBC Channel 4 News ^ | June 6, 2005 | City News Service

[RLM]

LAPD files a case based on video survelience when, according to the TV report, the alleged victim does not want to press charges. To avoid copyright issues I'm not excerpting the original story but the link will get you there.

[RLM]

I don't endorse spousal abuse, or any other abuse for violence for that matter, but I'm concerned when the police feel compelled to file a case without a victim complaint, simply based on a survelience video. I don't know the circumstances in this case, but it appears the man is assaulting the woman. But, my concern is if a survelience video is misinterpreted and rough housing or playing is construed as assault, and a case file simmply based on the video. In other words, survelience video alone should not be the basis for filing a case.

[mcg1969]

I think it depends on how conclusive the video is. Our judicial system is reasonably good about determining when there is enough evidence to prosecute a violent crime.

I don't have a problem with the state prosecuting domestic violence cases without the victim's consent, any more than I have a problem with them prosecuting murder cases without the victim's consent.

If the victim is really not a victim, and just a consenting participant in rough play, they are free to testify to that effect.

[sonofagun]

In other words, survelience video alone should not be the basis for filing a case.

Get used to it. I think this will become more commonplace as more and more cameras are deployed.

Watch your p's and q's ;^)