In response to questions about the Knoxville Police Department’s policy on public release of police videos, KPD Chief David Rausch announced today that the department will continue to release videos as it has in the past. Chief Rausch met this morning to discuss the policy with Mayor Madeline Rogero, District Attorney General Charme Allen, City Law Director Charles Swanson and Deputy to the Mayor Bill Lyons.
“There has never been any discussion of not releasing public information. The only concern has been with the timing of the release,” Chief Rausch said. “The premature release of videos of evidentiary value could endanger the rights of victims and the accused as well as threaten the safety of victims and witnesses. In addition, the District Attorney General is concerned that the early release of videos could jeopardize ongoing investigations and potentially harm court proceedings.”
Release of requested videos to members of the public or media will continue as it has in the past. As always, videos may be withheld in consultation with the District Attorney General if their release would compromise an ongoing investigation or prosecution, or endanger crime victims or witnesses. City officials are also awaiting a decision in a pending State Supreme Court case regarding records in a rape investigation at Vanderbilt University. That decision could lead to further review of KPD’s policies, but any changes would come only after consultation with the Mayor and the District Attorney General, and subsequent public discussion.
Chief Rausch is a longtime champion for transparency. He was recently invited to the White House to attend a meeting on how law enforcement can improve community policing, build trust and improve transparency as part of the response to the report from the President’s 21st Century Task Force on Policing. KPD has been working with data scientists from the University of Chicago to share KPD data as part of the White House Police Data Initiative. The Knoxville Police Department will continue to promote transparency and work closely with the community to maintain a vibrant and safe city in which to live, work and play.