Thumbs up: Fresno police let the public judge

Body cameras are fast becoming basic equipment for law enforcement officers, and there’s reason to believe that a video record encourages better behavior - by citizens and cops alike. But in Sonoma County and elsewhere, authorities are often reluctant to allow the public to view body camera footage, often claiming that it will inflame protesters or interfere with investigations. District Attorney Jill Ravtich, writing in defense of a policy requiring defense lawyers to keep video confidential and to return it after trial, contends the videos are the property of the police departments that own the cameras.

Thumbs up to Fresno police Chief Jerry Dyer who released body camera footage showing two of his officers shooting an unarmed. 19-year-old man before his department completed its own internal investigation and before local prosecutors concluded their review. Dyer described the video as “extremely disturbing.” But he concluded that allowing citizens to see the footage would ease concerns about the officer-involved shooting. And he was correct.