Introduction

The Makiyah Bryant case has garnered significant attention from both media and the public, and has fueled the ongoing discussions about police actions and the use of force. In this blog post, we will delve deep into the case and analyze the body-worn camera footage to understand the series of events that unfolded. By doing so, our aim is to maintain an open dialogue on policing and use of force, while remaining empathetic and respectful towards the individuals involved.

Background

On April 20, 2021, Makiyah Bryant, a 16-year-old Black girl, was shot and killed by a police officer in Columbus, Ohio. The incident occurred shortly after the guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, reigniting the national conversation regarding police violence and racial biases.

The Incident and Body-Worn Camera Footage

The Columbus Police Department swiftly released body-worn camera footage from the officers on the scene. The video gives critical insights into the details surrounding the incident. In what follows, we will present a step-by-step analysis of the events, as captured by the body-worn cameras:

1. The 911 Call: At approximately 4:32 PM, a 911 call was placed by an unidentified female caller who reported an attempted stabbing.

2. Arrival on Scene: Officer Reardon, the officer involved in the shooting, arrived at the scene. The footage begins with a group of people engaged in a verbal altercation. Bryant is observed carrying a knife.

3. Escalation of the Situation: The confrontation continued, with one woman getting pushed to the ground. Bryant then turned her attention to a second woman, raising the knife as if to strike her.

4. The Shooting: Officer Reardon, who had been on scene for a mere nine seconds, yelled for Bryant to "get down." In response to the attempted stabbing, he fired four shots, striking Bryant.

5. Post-Shooting: The other individuals in the area immediately reacted, voicing their outrage at the officer. Medical aid was provided, but Bryant was pronounced dead later at the hospital.

Throughout the footage, it is evident that the situation escalated rapidly, leaving little time for the responding officers to assess the environment and make decisions.

Use of Force and De-escalation Tactics

A critical aspect of analyzing the use of force in this case is to understand the existing guidelines for law enforcement officers. In Columbus, the police department follows a "use of force continuum," which outlines the acceptable level of force an officer should use based on the situation. The continuum starts at mere officer presence and progresses to verbal commands, soft controls, hard controls, less-lethal force, and ultimately lethal force.

In the Makiyah Bryant case, due to the rapid escalation of events, there is a question of whether Officer Reardon had time to explore other options besides lethal force. De-escalation tactics, such as using verbal commands that promote rational thinking, maintaining distance to create reactionary time, and utilizing non-lethal tools like pepper spray or Taser, could have potentially been employed with more time.

Public Response and the Role of the Media

The media and the public's perceptions of the Makiyah Bryant case have been divided, with some supporting the officer's actions and others calling it an example of police brutality. Several factors have contributed to these divergent views, such as the lack of information in initial reports, the emotionally heightened environment due to the timing of the incident, and the impact of previous cases like those of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

As more details have come to light, and with rigorous examination of the body-worn camera footage, it remains crucial to maintain an open dialogue and promote transparency in understanding the incident through an evidence-based approach.

The Importance of Body-Worn Cameras

The Makiyah Bryant case emphasizes the significance of body-worn cameras for transparency and accountability in law enforcement. This technology allows for an objective look at incidents, helping to provide accurate accounts of events and inform investigations, policies, and procedures. Given their importance, it is crucial to ensure that body-worn camera policies address issues like activation, retention, access, and privacy.

As we continue to discuss and debate the Makiyah Bryant case and others like it, it is essential to remain compassionate, informed, and open-minded. Engaging in constructive conversations can promote better understanding and contribute to improving law enforcement practices and community relations.