What role do witnesses play in police arrests?

If you witness a police arrest — would you get involved or would you walk by?

When Janet Rowles filmed an African American man getting stopped by an Edina police officer for walking in the street, she was unaware the impact social media would have. The video not only went viral, but it also put pressure on Edina police to dismiss charges.

MPR News' Marianne Combs spoke to Rowles about her video that sparked outrage and what it was like to witness a police arrest.

Michael Quinn, a former sergeant from the Minneapolis Police Department, also joined the conversation. He explored policing communities of color, and how the police may unintentionally escalate situations. Quinn also looked at how training can help.

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