ACLU calls lack of body camera use in shooting "unacceptable"

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - When Minneapolis police started using body cameras, it was intended to enhance accountability and public trust.

However, in the in the shooting-death of Justine Damond, there was no footage to be found. The American Civil Liberties Union said that's not acceptable.

"It's unfathomable to me that officers would not have thought this is a situation where policy requires to turn a camera on," said Teresa Nelson, a member of the ACLU. "They're responding to a 911 call about criminal activity."

According to the Minneapolis Police body camera policy, officers are supposed to turn on their body cameras when they are conducting a search, involved in a confrontation, or prior to use of force.

"If you are allowing officers to direct their own movie, essentially, and turn their camera on whenever they feel like it or you're not holding them to your policy, you completely undermine the promise of credibility and accountability the camera might bring," Nelson said.

However, a group called Blue Lives Matter said that based on the information available, there would have been no reason for the officers to turn on their body cameras because they were doing an "area check." They also mentioned they were looking for a reported assault, but that nothing prompted the officers to leave the vehicle. 

In response, the ACLU said officers should at least "hit record" after the shooting happens. 

The Minneapolis Police Conduct Oversight said they agree with the ACLU that body cameras should be on at all times.