New law on police shooting videos could exacerbate future protests

New video law could make matters worse

The handling of video from the Keith Lamont Scott shooting certainly made Charlotte and CMPD look bad.

This incident and others around the country show there is a need for a well-reasoned national standard.

It should allow enough time for the controlling law enforcement agency to review all video and extract the information it needs to determine how it will proceed with the case.

Perhaps the Justice Department could provide guidance for departments around the nation.

The unrest that quickly escalated in Charlotte could be repeated in any U.S. city, and the N.C. law that took effect Saturday will only exacerbate future events.

To start the healing, fix the damage

Justice? Start by turning in the looters and the stolen goods. Pay businesses for repairs and lost revenue.

This would be a beginning to show that demonstrations are in good faith, and it should be the minimum requirement for any further discussions.

Officers must decide in a split second

While Keith Scott’s wife did tell officers he had a disability, she did not inform them that she once got a protective order because he said he was going to kill her and her family.

Police are not social workers or psychologists. They are protectors, and they have to make a judgment based on what they see happening at the moment, which is not an easy task.

Change is needed, but learn from others

But now a complete dossier of information is available on Keith Lamont Scott – a stint in prison, purchase of a stolen gun, punching a child, threatening his wife.

There is no question changes must be made with enforcement, policy, and training.

But protesters, focus your energy in a more positive direction. Let’s demand focus groups and meet with local representatives and demand changes.

We all can learn from Dallas and Charleston.

Let’s take another look at consolidation

In light of the recent police shootings, the shocking revelations from the Harvard study, significant issues within our public schools, and other urban growing pains, we might want to consider taking another serious look at consolidating our major governing bodies.

Given the significant complexities that our expanding Queen City faces today and in the future, a consolidated “full-time” governing body would allow the city to attract talented, capable, hardworking and committed elected officials who would be able to provide the kind of broad-minded leadership this great city’s more than 1 million residents need, want and deserve.

Time for Wells to be upfront and honest

As was reported, 5,300 people lost their jobs at Wells Fargo.

I wonder what the terms of separation were?

Were they all discharged for cause?

It is safe to assume that not all employees associated with this shameful project left empty-handed.

It is time for the bank to be upfront and honest with its employees and customers, for the sake of trust if nothing else.

Some of us will be praying for Cannon

Former mayor Richard Vinroot said of Patrick Cannon’s return from prison: “The real difficulty is confronting friends and confronting society. ... It will be even worse for his family. You walk into a movie theater and people will be whispering. ‘There’s Patrick Cannon. An ex-con.’ ”

Perhaps some will, but there will be others of us praying, “Dear Father, please bless Patrick and his family, and allow them to enjoy a peaceful and healing outing. Thank you - and Amen.”

This story was originally published October 2, 2016 at 4:30 PM with the headline "New law on police shooting videos could exacerbate future protests."