Watch Copwatch

"Copwatch" is a 2017 documentary film directed by Camilla Hall that follows the work of three citizen journalists: Jacob Crawford, Kevin Moore, and Ramsey Orta. These three individuals are united by their common desire to hold law enforcement officers accountable for their actions and bring attention to incidents of police brutality.

The filmmakers follow them on their daily routine as they use their personal cameras to document the encounters between the police and the local community in their hometowns: Oakland, Baltimore, and Staten Island. They also record the protests that arise in the aftermath of these encounters.

The documentary begins by introducing each of the Copwatch activists and explaining how they became interested in documenting police interactions. Jacob Crawford, a former police officer, quit his job after witnessing his fellow officers engage in excessive force. Kevin Moore started filming police activity after witnessing the death of his friend, Freddie Gray, while in police custody, which sparked a citywide protest in Baltimore.

Ramsey Orta became famous for filming the killing of Eric Garner, an unarmed Black man who was put in a chokehold by a police officer until he lost consciousness and later died. Orta's footage played a significant role in raising public awareness of police violence against Black people and sparked the Black Lives Matter protests.

Throughout the film, the filmmakers show footage of the Copwatch activists' encounters with the police, both positive and negative. They also highlight the difficulties that the activists face, such as threats, harassment, and even arrest, for documenting police activity. The documentary sheds light on the importance of citizen journalism in holding law enforcement accountable for their actions and exposing their abuses of power.

The film also explores the broader social and political context of police brutality in the United States. It examines the racial biases and systemic inequalities that underlie police violence and highlights the divide between the police and the communities they serve.

The documentary features interviews with other activists and scholars who discuss the history of policing in the U.S. and the ways in which it has been used to control marginalized communities. They also explain the ways in which systems of power perpetuate police brutality and the need to challenge and transform these systems.

Overall, "Copwatch" is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that provides insight into the world of citizen journalism and the role it plays in exposing police brutality. The film is an urgent call to action for viewers to take a more active role in holding law enforcement accountable for their actions and advocating for justice and equality in their communities.

Copwatch is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.