Policing the Police (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

>> I didn't do nothing! Come on, man! I didn't do nothing! >> NARRATOR: They police one of the most violent cities in America, and they're under fire for how they've been doing it. >> The Newark Police Department has engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional stops... >> You gotta look at it our way.

Suppose he has a weapon on him. How would you confront the situation? >> Can this be done in a way that still respects people's rights? >> NARRATOR: Writer and historian Jelani Cobb is on the street with the Newark Police. >> We're not out here saying, "We're gonna violate this person's rights." >> So is that a good stop,

not a good stop? >> By perception, by perception only, that would look like it was a bad stop. By perception. >> NARRATOR: And inside the politics of a city trying to change. >> You have to be a part of the community. You have to be a stakeholder in the community. >> This city is moving forward

with a whole different police culture, and you are the beginning of that. >> NARRATOR: Tonight on Frontline, "Policing the Police."

>> ♪ O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave ♪ ♪ O'er the land of the free... ♪ >> JELANI COBB: In Newark, New Jersey, every city council hearing starts with Whitney Houston's version of the national anthem. She's a hometown hero.

>> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Newark Municipal Council's public meeting. >> COBB: But tonight is not just an ordinary meeting. People have packed City Hall to speak up about the need for more police accountability. It's a conversation happening in cities all across the country. >> Hello. My name is Laquan Thomas.