Oakland Police Withhold Body Camera Footage in Doug Martin Case

The Oakland Police Department (OPD) has decided not to release body camera footage related to the in-custody death of former NFL player Doug Martin on October 18, 2023. This decision comes after a public records request by The Oaklandside, which sought transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding Martin’s death while under the custody of OPD officers.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, OPD indicated that Martin’s death did not constitute a “critical incident” under state law, thus exempting the department from the obligation to release the footage. Acting Police Chief James Beere cited the state Public Records Act’s public-interest balancing test exemption as the basis for withholding the recordings. The department expressed concerns that disclosing the footage could “compromise privacy interests” and interfere with an ongoing investigation.

According to family statements, Martin had been experiencing mental health challenges. On the night of his death, his parents sought assistance from authorities. Reportedly feeling overwhelmed, Martin fled his residence and entered a neighbor’s home, prompting the police response. Officers arrived at a property on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street in the East Oakland hills early that morning. The OPD stated that following a “brief struggle” while officers attempted to detain him, Martin suffered a “medical emergency” and became unresponsive.

Paramedics responded swiftly, providing medical aid before transporting Martin to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was 36 years old, and the cause of death has yet to be disclosed. The officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave during the ongoing investigations, which include the OPD’s Homicide Unit, the Internal Affairs Bureau, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, as well as the Community Police Review Agency (CPRA).

The issue of in-custody deaths and police-related incidents has come under scrutiny, leading to legislative changes aimed at enhancing transparency. In 2018, Assembly Bill 748 was enacted to ensure that police agencies could only withhold body camera footage from “critical incidents” for a maximum of 45 days. If the release of such footage would “substantially interfere” with an investigation, agencies could extend this timeframe. A “critical incident” is defined as one where an officer fires a weapon at an individual or uses force resulting in death or serious injury.

The OPD has not clarified how releasing the October 18 footage would impact ongoing investigations. Furthermore, the law stipulates that recordings involving deceased individuals must be “promptly disclosed” to their immediate family or legal representatives. In this case, it remains unclear whether Martin’s family has been given an opportunity to review the footage, as they did not respond to inquiries from The Oaklandside, requesting privacy in their statement issued on October 20.

Doug Martin, known for his collegiate career at Boise State, was drafted into the NFL by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he made two Pro Bowl appearances. He later played for the Oakland Raiders, and his untimely death has drawn national attention, with family, friends, and fans mourning the loss of the athlete.

This article has been adapted from original reporting by The Oaklandside and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. As investigations continue, the matter has sparked discussions about police transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need for clarity in cases involving law enforcement and the public.