MILWAUKEE- The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin affirms the vital need for transparency in the investigation of the June 23rd shooting of Jay Anderson by a Wauwatosa police officer. ACLU Executive Director Chris Ahmuty issued the following statement:
“The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin has been working to improve police community relations in Wisconsin for years. The major focus of our work has been to try to hold police accountable to constitutional standards, by ensuring equal protection, refraining from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the use of excessive force.
Establishing community trust requires transparent interactions between residents and law enforcement. One way to demonstrate that questions are being heard is to take steps to assure the whole community that the investigation into Mr. Anderson’s killing has been comprehensive, unbiased, and transparent. The ACLU of Wisconsin maintains there are no legitimate grounds to withhold videos once interviews with key witnesses have been completed.
The ACLU of Wisconsin calls upon the Wauwatosa Police Department and District Attorney Chisholm to release the full dash cam video and audio and any other video from this incident.
Good police community relations can result in a decrease in crime and better conditions for residents. Trust between police and community members is essential. Law enforcement and city leaders must work to restore that trust. The Wauwatosa Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office have hidden the video from public review for long enough.”
