Why should video evidence be included when available in use-of-force documentation?

• A. It is irrelevant if the officer wrote a report.
• B. It should be suppressed to protect privacy.
• C. It provides objective corroboration of actions and helps establish facts.
• D. It replaces all other evidence.

Answer: (C)

Video evidence in use-of-force documentation provides an objective record that corroborates actions and helps establish facts. It captures what happened in real time—the sequence of events, exactly what was done, by whom, when, and how force was applied—complementing officer and subject accounts. This objectivity supports accountability, reduces ambiguity in later investigations, and enhances the credibility of the documentation. When available, including video helps investigators verify details, resolve discrepancies, and provide a clearer training resource for proper and improper responses.

While privacy considerations matter, they are typically handled through appropriate procedures rather than blanket suppression; the video should be included with protections in place as needed. It does not replace all other evidence, such as written reports, witness statements, and physical evidence; those remain important pieces of the record.