Bodycam Footage in Jabari Peoples' Death Kept Private, Police Say

Homewood Police Decline to Release Bodycam Footage in Jabari Peoples Case

The Homewood Police Department has confirmed that the body-worn camera footage related to the shooting death of Jabari Peoples will not be made public. This decision was announced in a news release issued on Wednesday, which outlined the legal basis for the department’s stance.

"The Homewood Police Department has received requests and inquiries regarding the release of the body-worn camera footage to the public," the statement said. "As previously stated, pursuant to the Code of Alabama, Sections 36-21-210 and 212, the Homewood Police Department may not release the body-worn camera footage to the public."

This means that the only individuals who can view the footage are:

• The subject of the recording
• A representative of someone who is the subject of the recording, if there is consent
• A representative of the deceased subject of the video

When the footage is shared with any of these individuals, law enforcement is required to show only the portions that are relevant to the person's request, as specified by the Code of Alabama.

The distinction between "disclosure" and "release" is also important in this context. According to the Code of Alabama:

• Disclosure refers to making a recording available for viewing or listening at a time and location chosen by the custodial law enforcement agency. This term does not include the release of a recording.
• Release means providing a copy of a recording.

Mayor Responds to District Attorney’s Decision

In response to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s announcement that no criminal charges would be filed in connection with the shooting, the mayor of Homewood issued a statement.

"We have received the results of the District Attorney’s investigations into the shooting of Jabari Peoples," the statement read. "We note that the District Attorney found the 'shooting is deemed justified' and that no criminal charges will be filed against the Homewood Police Officer involved in this matter."

The mayor expressed empathy for the Peoples family and urged the community to respect the District Attorney’s decision, which he described as being based on the facts and the law.

Background on the Incident

Jabari Peoples was shot and killed at a park in Homewood on the night of June 23. According to police, a gun was involved in the incident. The family initially claimed that Peoples was unarmed, and after viewing parts of the bodycam footage, they have raised questions about why he was shot if he was not pointing anything at the officers.

The family was shown parts of the bodycam video on August 6 and has continued to call for the full, unedited version of the footage. Despite these calls, the Homewood Police Department has not released the video.

An investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) concluded on August 1, when the bodycam video and findings were sent to Homewood police and the Jefferson County District Attorney's office.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Developments

The community and family of Jabari Peoples remain vocal in their demand for transparency. They believe the bodycam footage could provide clarity on the events leading up to the shooting.

This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Readers are encouraged to stay informed through local news sources and official channels.

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