Sacramento (CA) – Posting security camera footage on YouTube can actually help criminals get away, according to the Sacramento Sheriffs Department.  Dave Johnson of Sacramento recently had his motorcycle stolen and a helpful neighbor posted a YouTube video of the alleged burglars, but the local authorities aren’t too happy about it.  In a CBS 5 interview, Sgt. Tim Curran says online videos could hurt the prosecution and “pollute the jury pool”.

After Johnson’s motorcycle was stolen, he posted an ad on Craigslist warning the public that thieves were on the loose.  A neighbor responded and said that he had video of two burglars that tried to steal his motorcycle earlier in the morning.

Sgt. Curran suggested that local law enforcement should be the ones to decide whether a video is published or not.  People who own security cameras should give the video to police, without posting them up themselves, according to Curran.

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Turning the Tables

Jul 01, 2008 21:34     

Normally if you try to keep something private around law enforcement they automatically assume you're doing something illegal. Well it's my turn now. I think this guy stole his own motorcycle for insurance money, and doesn't want people figuring out it's him on the tape.
Hawk report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -8

One day soon, some savvy criminal...

Jul 02, 2008 07:57     

... is going to videotape himself stealing an item, post it on YouBoob and claim he can't get a fair trial because the jury pool is contaminated. Isn't the American justice system wonderful?
WR report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1