First...they ARE public record.
Second, do you know what qualified immunity means?
Third, "bad" cops work for somebody that is either elected, or works at the will of an elected official.
Pretty easy stuff, huh?
LT, they are not even close to being a public record in this state. As an example in Denver supervisors are not allowed to review dashcam video unless it's in response to a specific citizen complaint (this is part of their union contract). Try to lodge a complaint, and no one will take it. About the only way you can get a supervisor to look at a tape of an incompetent or abusive officer is to file a law suit.
