By Brenda Murphy
SC NAACP Editorial
The television show “On Patrol: Live” (OPL) broadcasts arrests as a form of “entertainment” at the expense of possibly jeopardizing an individual’s right to a fair trial.
Recently, OPL filmed officers of the Richland County (SC) Sheriff ’s Department subjecting citizens to beatings and tasings. The NAACP-South Carolina State Conference (NAACPSC) strongly urges the citizens of this State to join them in insisting on a full investigation of these incidents.
“Public Safety Officers” are expected to abide by certain training and tactics; we are concerned that these Officers be subject to appropriate oversight.
NAACPSC President Brenda Murphy states, “The NAACP South Carolina State Conference is willing to work with the Sheriff’s Department and other local law enforcement, Governor Henry McMaster, and the federal Department of Justice to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Further, NAACPSC is concerned about the media profiting from the publicization of disturbing and degrading incidents, especially of citizens who all too often have been subject to disrespect. Our position is that no form of media should utilize such video for “entertainment.”