The ACLU app to help record police misconduct

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Heartbreaking details of George Floyd's death 4:30

(CNN) - The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has an app that allows people to record their interactions with the police. It could be useful during ongoing protests to make reports of police misconduct, according to a spokesperson for the organization.

ACLU first launched the “Mobile Justice” app in 2015 for users to record potential police misconduct. Videos are automatically uploaded to the organization's server to ensure they are saved even if a phone is seized or destroyed.

With ongoing protests in at least 30 U.S. cities over the death of unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis, Minnesota Police officer, the ACLU is encouraging people to document their interactions with police in should the situation worsen.

• Grief and anger over George Floyd's death sparks protests demanding change, a week after the police video went viral

"There is no doubt that moments like these highlight the importance of the app," Marcus Benigno, a spokesman for the ACLU of Southern California, told CNN. "Without a video of the unfortunate and tragic incident, we probably wouldn't even know the name of George Floyd."

The video captured Floyd claiming he couldn't breathe as a Minneapolis police officer subdued him with a knee to his neck.

The ACLU first launched the app after the deaths of unarmed black teens Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, who ignited the Black Lives Matter movement, in 2014.

As thousands of people take to the streets to protest police brutality and unarmed black men continue to die at the hands of law enforcement, Benigno said citizens are more encouraged than ever to assert their First Amendment right to film. to law enforcement while on active duty should the situation escalate.

How to use the app

When a user accesses their state's Mobile Justice application, they have the option to record a video that is downloaded to their phone and sent directly to that chapter of the ACLU for staff to review. Before submitting, users should add a report that describes the location of the incident, who was involved, the names of the agents in the video, if known, and any additional details.

Users can also report an incident they witnessed and learn more about their rights to take photos and videos with audio recordings, which differ from state to state.

In the coming months, the app, which is currently available in 17 states and the District of Columbia, will be accessible to everyone in all 50 states, while respecting the laws of each state, Benigno said.

In addition to capturing misconduct, the Mobile Justice app also helps reduce tensions between the police and citizens.

"The initial objective was to make sure that law enforcement abuses were caught on camera, so that we can finally reform the system, but what we are seeing is that it is not just about capturing the abuse," Benigno said.

“It has become a de-escalation tool. It can help people feel empowered while forcing officers to take a second to reevaluate the situation. There are countless videos showing people who assert their right to film with a sense of security. "

ACLU