Oakland Police Deny Release of Video in Doug Martin’s Death

UPDATE: The Oakland Police Department (OPD) has just announced that it will not release body-camera footage related to the in-custody death of former NFL running back Doug Martin, who died on October 18, 2023. This decision comes amid rising calls for transparency and accountability following the incident, which is described as a “brief struggle” between Martin and police officers.

Authorities have remained largely silent about the circumstances of Martin’s death, raising significant public concern. The OPD claims that the interaction does not qualify as a “critical incident” under AB 748, a law designed to enhance police accountability. According to this legislation, critical incidents involve officer-involved shootings or cases resulting in death or severe injury. The OPD stated, “At this time, the City has determined that the incident does not meet the definition of a ‘critical incident.’”

This refusal to disclose the video footage has triggered backlash from civil rights advocates and transparency proponents, who argue that the public deserves insight into police actions. David Loy, legal director of the First Amendment Coalition, emphasized, “Transparency is the oxygen of accountability.” He called for the release of the footage, despite the legal ambiguity surrounding the OPD’s obligations.

Details surrounding the incident remain sparse. Shortly after 4 a.m. on the day of his death, multiple 911 calls reported Martin banging on neighbors’ doors and wandering through backyards on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street. Initial reports indicated that police received simultaneous calls regarding a potential burglary and a medical emergency involving Martin.

Upon arrival, officers attempted to detain Martin, resulting in a brief struggle. Following this altercation, Martin became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead. Authorities have yet to release specific information about the nature of the struggle or the duration of Martin’s detention before he lost consciousness.

The Alameda County Coroner’s Office is currently conducting an autopsy, and Martin’s brain is expected to be examined for signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head trauma often found in former NFL players. Martin’s family is reportedly preparing for his memorial service scheduled for Thursday, but they have not commented publicly on the ongoing investigation.

This incident has intensified scrutiny of the OPD, which has been under federal oversight for two decades. Just days before Martin’s death, the department decided to encrypt its radio communications, a move that has raised concerns about transparency. Jestin Johnson, Oakland’s City Administrator, previously pledged to uphold public accountability amidst the encryption, stating, “We are committed to making sure when there are requests for this information that the department is responsive.”

Legal experts and civil rights attorneys, including Jim Chanin, have expressed concerns about the OPD’s refusal to release the body-camera footage. “I have the point of view that when in doubt, release it,” Chanin stated, underscoring the importance of public access to such materials.

The ongoing reluctance from the OPD to share details further fuels public interest in the case, as many await answers about the events that led to Doug Martin’s tragic death. As this situation develops, pressure mounts on the department to reconsider its stance on transparency and accountability.

The community is left grappling with the loss of a beloved sports figure, while advocates continue to call for justice and clarity in the handling of this incident.