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SALT LAKE CITY — The public has heard a lot from people critical of police. Many others say the police perspective has not been heard enough. KSL asked Salt Lake City police for access to their department for 24 hours.

Police and the public: A community conversation

Many people recognize the service law enforcement officers provide to our communities. But in recent months, reaction to officer-involved shootings locally and nationally has turned some public reaction against officers and in some instances put officers' lives in danger. At KSL, we have given voice to protesters and critics of police. Now it's time to scrutinize our own reporting of these emotional events and give voice to police in this special report.

24 hours with Salt Lake City police

Salt Lake police granted KSL unprecedented access to their department for 24 hours to show us what they face. Andrew Adams got to see a little bit of everything from drug busts to suspect searches and the arrest of a shoplifter. He came away surprised by what he saw and heard, including word of a serious threat against officers themselves. Adams say he never witnessed what would be considered by people to be "use of force." However, the Salt Lake City police file "Use of Force" reports a lot because they take those actions seriously. They even file a report when they put somebody in handcuffs. Watch the above video to get a glimpse of what officers face on the job.

21-foot rule

Every time an officer responds to a call, a weapon is always at the scene. It's the officer's weapon, and at any moment it could be used against the officer. As Jed Boal discovered, it doesn't take much time for an attacker to reach an officer before the attacker can reach for the officer's gun. Watch the above video to see just how fast an officer has to make those life-and-death decisions.

Graham v. Connor

In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled on a case that began when a diabetic entered a convenience store to buy orange juice. The ruling set case law for how an officer’s actions can be judged in use of force matters. One key element says 20/20 hindsight cannot be applied. To see more about Graham v. Connor, and the FBI’s role in investigating officer-involved shootings, watch the above video.

Media critique

When an officer pulls a trigger, it makes for big headlines. Journalists are challenged by limited information and tight deadlines. Media ethicist Bill Silcock came to KSL and reviewed some of our coverage of the officer-involved shooting of Darrien Hunt. Watch the above video to see his critique.

Shot in the line of duty

In April 2005, Orem police Lt. Phil Murphy was called out to a routine domestic violence situation. The suspect was initially compliant. Then Murphy and another officer tried to handcuff him. During the struggle, 21-year-old David Burns managed to fire the other officer's holstered gun. Murphy used pepper spray on him but Burns was still able to reach Murphy's gun and shoot Murphy point blank in the back. The bullet narrowly missed his spine. In the above video, Murphy sat down with Debbie Dujanovic and discussed the public's perception of police and why he is concerned about the overall lack of respect in homes, at schools and on the streets.

Contributing: Andrew Adams, Jed Boal, Debbi Dujanovic, Deanie Wimmer

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