URGENT UPDATE: The Oakland Police Department (OPD) has just announced it will not release body-camera footage related to the in-custody death of former NFL running back Doug Martin, prompting widespread criticism from advocates for transparency. This decision follows Martin’s tragic death on October 18, 2023, after a reported “brief struggle” with officers.
Authorities confirm that Martin, 36, was found inside a neighbor’s home in the Oakland hills, leading to multiple 911 calls around 4 a.m. about a possible break-in. Police say they received simultaneous reports of a suspected burglar experiencing a medical emergency. However, OPD officials assert that this incident does not qualify as a “critical incident” under California’s AB 748, which governs police accountability and mandates the release of certain recordings.
In a statement released on Tuesday, OPD claimed, “At this time, the City has determined that the incident does not meet the definition of a ‘critical incident.’” This categorization means the department is not legally obliged to disclose body-camera footage, which has drawn ire from First Amendment advocates and the public.
David Loy, legal director of the First Amendment Coalition, emphasized the importance of transparency, saying, “Transparency is the oxygen of accountability. The public has an overwhelming interest in how the government does their job.” Loy criticized OPD’s lack of openness, even if they are not legally required to release the video.
The lack of information surrounding Martin’s death raises serious concerns. Reports state that officers struggled with Martin while attempting to detain him, after which he became unresponsive. The duration of his custody and the nature of the struggle remain unclear, as does whether his family has been permitted to view any footage.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office has yet to complete Martin’s autopsy. Investigators plan to preserve his brain for examination by neurologists for signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head injuries in football players. This step mirrors actions taken by families of other deceased NFL players.
Martin’s family, who are currently making arrangements for his memorial service scheduled for Thursday, have refrained from commenting on the case. Meanwhile, the OPD faces renewed scrutiny over its transparency, particularly following its recent decision to encrypt police radio channels, which has limited public access to crucial information about police activities.
Civil rights attorney Jim Chanin, who played a pivotal role in the legal reforms of the OPD, voiced his belief that the body-camera footage should be released. “I have the point of view that when in doubt, release it,” he stated. He further noted that if police actions were within departmental policy, the footage could serve to validate their conduct.
As the public awaits further developments in this case, the call for transparency grows louder. The OPD’s refusal to share video evidence has intensified questions about police practices in Oakland and the need for accountability.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
