Watch Copwatch America

Copwatch America was a television show that aired on BET in 2019, starring Shar Bates, Gerald Griggs, and Kim Ortiz. The show is centered around the activities of community activists who are attempting to hold law enforcement accountable for their actions. The activists document police encounters with civilians and investigate instances of police brutality and misconduct.

The show takes a gritty and unflinching look at the realities of police brutality in America. Each episode follows the copwatchers as they patrol their neighborhoods and document police activity. They use their cameras to capture video footage of police interactions with civilians, and take detailed notes on the behavior of the officers involved. They then use this footage to hold the police accountable for their actions.

The copwatchers themselves are a diverse group of people. Shar Bates, for example, is a former felon who became an activist in response to the killing of her son by police officers. Gerald Griggs is a lawyer who specializes in civil rights cases, and Kim Ortiz is a community organizer who has been working on police accountability issues for years. Together, they form a formidable team that is not afraid to stand up to the police.

However, the copwatchers face numerous challenges in their work. They must deal with police officers who are often hostile towards them and who try to prevent them from documenting police activity. They also deal with the psychological toll of witnessing and documenting police brutality. In one episode, for example, Shar Bates breaks down in tears after witnessing an incident of police violence.

Despite these challenges, the copwatchers remain committed to their work. They believe that by documenting police activity and holding the police accountable, they can help to reduce instances of police brutality and improve relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The show is a powerful reminder of the importance of citizen activism in the fight for civil rights and social justice.

Overall, Copwatch America is a compelling and thought-provoking show that sheds light on the realities of police brutality in America. It offers a nuanced look at the complexities of police-citizen interactions and the challenges faced by those who seek to hold law enforcement accountable. The show is an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about police reform in America, and it deserves to be watched by anyone who cares about civil rights and social justice.

Copwatch America is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between October 23, 2019 and on BET