Paul Watler

Legal standards for release of police body camera video

2022-06-30T15:53:27-05:00

Editors Note: The Texas body camera statute is contained in the Texas Occupations Code. Section 1701.661 governs public release of body cam footage.) -- By Paul Watler Cell phone videos captured in the street of police use of force involving citizens seem commonplace of late. The videos go viral on social media and dominate ensuing news cycles on television and in print media. But it is not commonplace for the public to see - or news organizations to obtain - official body camera video of the incidents. In fact, current law in most states permits law enforcement to routinely withhold officer body camera footage [...]

Legal standards for release of police body camera video2022-06-30T15:53:27-05:00

KSAT Q&A with attorney Paul Watler about releasing police body camera footage

2020-10-05T19:38:10-05:00

Originally aired by KSAT-TV on Sept. 21, 2020 SAN ANTONIO – There is a renewed push for law enforcement transparency both nationally and locally. In Bexar County, two deadly shootings and a wrongful arrest have sparked controversy over when law enforcement releases body camera footage to the public. Paul Walter, attorney and board member of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, joined KSAT Q&As to talk about why some footage isn’t released in a timely manner. See the video here.

KSAT Q&A with attorney Paul Watler about releasing police body camera footage2020-10-05T19:38:10-05:00

Texas Supreme Court dismisses defamation lawsuit against The Dallas Morning News

2018-05-14T15:18:36-05:00

By Jeff Mosier The Dallas Morning News Originally published May 12, 2018 The Texas Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit Friday in which a couple claimed The Dallas Morning News defamed them when it published a column disclosing their decision to omit information about their teenage son’s suicide from a paid obituary. John and Mary Ann Tatum, whose 17-year-old son shot himself, sued The News and now-retired Metro columnist Steve Blow in 2011 over allegations that the column accused the couple of lying about their son’s death. The 2010 column, “Shrouding suicide leaves its danger unaddressed,” urged the public to talk more [...]

Texas Supreme Court dismisses defamation lawsuit against The Dallas Morning News2018-05-14T15:18:36-05:00

Keep the public informed by releasing the video in Austin bombing case

2018-04-03T21:56:07-05:00

By Paul Watler FOI Foundation Board Member April 3, 2018 As the investigation into the Austin bombings became increasingly urgent last month, police also worked to inform the public and enlist their vigilance. Interim Chief Brian Manley as well as state and federal law enforcement officials provided repeated news briefings on the hunt to identify and apprehend the serial bomber. When officers closed in, the bomber detonated a final device, taking his own life and deepening the mystery of his motives. Soon it emerged that the perpetrator made a video confession recorded on his cell phone. But the public was left [...]

Keep the public informed by releasing the video in Austin bombing case2018-04-03T21:56:07-05:00

Appeals court reinstates Texas Open Meetings Act indictments against Montgomery County officials

2018-02-08T15:37:09-06:00

By Mike Snyder Houston Chronicle Originally published Feb. 7, 2018 Less than a month before a fiercely contested Republican primary election, a state appeals court on Wednesday reinstated indictments alleging that two elected Montgomery County officials and a consultant violated the state's open meetings law. The 9th Court of Appeals reversed a decision by state District Judge Randy Clapp, who had dismissed the indictments last April in a ruling that found a portion of the Texas Open Meetings Act unconstitutional. The appeals court ordered Clapp to reconsider the indictments against County Judge Craig Doyal, Commissioner Charlie Riley and political consultant Marc [...]

Appeals court reinstates Texas Open Meetings Act indictments against Montgomery County officials2018-02-08T15:37:09-06:00

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