Judge orders SC Highway Patrol to release videos

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A judge has ruled that the South Carolina Highway Patrol has to release videotapes and other information from its arrests and traffic stops to the public even if a criminal case against a suspect is ongoing.

Circuit Judge James Barber ruled The Index-Journal of Greenwood should have been given the videotape of the traffic stop that led to the arrest of a Greenwood city councilwoman on a driving under the influence charge.

The Public Safety Department routinely turns down requests for videos and other information because it says the information could affect the criminal case against the suspect is pending. But Barber ruled the agency must show specific proof the release of the information will harm the case.

Public Safety spokesman Sid Gaulden says the agency is reviewing the ruling.