Investigation underway after Santa Ana police officer plays copyrighted music to thwart video recording

The Santa Ana Police Division is investigating after video was launched of one among its officers blaring copyrighted music in an try and thwart a YouTuber who was recording him.

Residents of a Santa Ana neighborhood had been awoken to the sounds of police automobiles, a helicopter and one thing else they didn’t count on: Randy Newman’s “You’ve Received a Pal in Me.”

It occurred round 11 p.m. Monday in a residential neighborhood on the 1600 block of West Civic Middle Drive.

Neighbors who got here out to search out the supply of the commotion, had been shocked to see the loud Disney music wasn’t coming from an annoying neighbor, however from a police automotive.

Alma Guzman was visiting her mother when she heard the surprising noise.

“The police got here, I suppose there was a stolen car,” she instructed KTLA. “Then the Disney music began enjoying. I didn’t know why.”

The video was apparently recorded by a YouTuber conducting what are referred to as police audits. Auditing is an internet observe of recording interactions with regulation enforcement officers. The observe is authorized, however can generally be antagonistic towards police, and are usually unpopular amongst officers.

A person who recognized himself as a metropolis councilmember was seen on the recording scolding an officer. Neighbors stated the person was Santa Ana Councilman Jonathan Hernandez.

“Why are you enjoying this? Disrespectful,” Hernandez is heard saying within the video. As he admonishes the officer, Hernandez implores him to “have some respect for my neighborhood.”

Donna Sanchez, one other resident within the neighborhood, stated she was appreciative that the councilmember spoke up.

“I like Johnathan Hernandez sticking up for us,” Sanchez stated. “I believe it’s very disrespectful. We’ve got to get up fairly early.”

Sanchez stated the individual recording the video wasn’t doing any hurt.

The officer instructed Hernandez and different onlookers that the music was performed in order that the YouTuber’s video would obtain a copyright strike and the audio could be both muted or the video taken down solely.

The Santa Ana Police Division is investigating that declare and can decide if the officers will face any self-discipline.

The Santa Ana Police Division launched an announcement that learn partly:

“The Santa Ana police division is conscious of a video that has surfaced involving one among our officers. We’re dedicated to serving our neighborhood and we perceive the issues because it pertains to the video. The Santa Ana police division takes critically all complaints concerning the service offered by the division and the conduct of its workers. Our division is dedicated to conducting full, thorough, and goal investigations. My expectations is that each one police division workers carry out their duties with dignity and respect in the neighborhood we’re employed to serve.”

Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin

Guzman stated the motion of the officers was unacceptable. She stated she believes folks have the fitting to document the police.

“We should always be capable to document them with no drawback,” Guzman stated. She added she didn’t suppose utilizing copyrighted music was an applicable response by police.

KTLA reached out to the account the place the video was posted however has not but obtained a response.

Councilmember Hernandez additionally didn’t reply to a request for an interview.