We have received many complaints about the airing of the surveillance video from Elkhart Police Department headquarters. We wanted to set the record straight about why we aired the story.
Our goal as journalists, is to provide you the viewer/webuser with as much information as we can, so you can make a decision on whatever the matter is. That was the case here. We knew that one officer was fired, another resigned and others were disciplined for their behavior. We also knew that the Elkhart prosecuting attorney, Curtis Hill, declared that no criminal act took place so no criminal charges were going to be filed. Many people were confused. Just what happened? What was considered inappropriate behavior but not criminal? The answers all existed on the videotape. We got a copy of it and shared it with all of you so you could make up your own mind as to whether justice was served.
If you find it offensive, I’m sorry…but we will always strive to give you as much information as we can in any situation. You have the power to determine whether you want to watch it or not.
C.J. Beutien
News Director, WNDU-TV
