When a Wilmington, N.C., police officer pulled over an Uber driver to question his passenger, he likely didn’t anticipate being met with legal expertise. Jesse Bright, the driver in question, was not just any driver; he was a defense attorney working as an Uber driver to manage student loan debt. This unexpected encounter, captured on Bright’s cellphone, led to an internal investigation and the demotion of the officer involved, Sgt. Kenneth Becker.
Last month’s incident began when police stopped Bright’s vehicle. Immediately recognizing a potentially unjust situation, Bright started recording the interaction on his phone. In the first of three videos posted online, officers are heard telling Bright that his passenger had been seen leaving a suspected drug house. The situation escalated when an officer questioned Bright about the contents of his car and requested to search it.
“I do mind because I haven’t done anything. I mind,” Bright firmly stated in the video, asserting his rights from the outset. This pivotal moment highlights the importance of knowing your rights, especially during police encounters.
The confrontation intensified when Sgt. Becker ordered Bright to stop recording, citing a supposed new state law prohibiting recording of police. However, Bright, keenly aware of his legal rights as both a citizen and a lawyer, refused to comply.
“I’ll keep recording, thank you. It’s my right,” Bright retorted, adding, “You’re a police officer on duty. I can record you.” He further warned the officer against unlawful actions, underscoring his understanding of the law.
Despite Bright’s clear assertion of his rights and profession, Sgt. Becker remained incredulous and even dismissive. “And an Uber driver?” Becker questioned, refusing to acknowledge Bright’s bar card, further escalating the tension. The situation progressed to the point where a K9 unit was deployed, and Bright was removed from his vehicle while police conducted a search – all without his consent. Throughout the search, Bright reiterated his non-consent, emphasizing the unlawful nature of the search.
Following the search, Bright was released without charge or apology. Deciding to bring the incident to public attention, Bright shared the videos online, prompting a swift response from the Wilmington Police Department. The department initiated an internal investigation, and Police Chief Ralph Evangelous issued a public statement affirming citizens’ right to record police activity.
“Taking photographs and videos of people that are in plain sight including the police is your legal right,” Chief Evangelous stated, directly contradicting the actions of Sgt. Becker. He further encouraged citizens to exercise this right when they deem it necessary, a significant acknowledgment of police accountability and transparency. The department confirmed that the statement would be distributed to all officers to reinforce the policy.
Subsequently, news outlets reported that Sgt. Kenneth Becker was demoted and faced a 5 percent pay reduction as a result of the incident. While police spokeswoman Linda Thompson refrained from directly linking the demotion to the investigation, the timing strongly suggests a direct correlation.
Jesse Bright, the Uber Driver Lawyer at the center of this incident, advocates for increased recording of police interactions. “I’d like everyone to film the police during interactions with them,” Bright stated, emphasizing its role in maintaining honesty and accountability on both sides. This case serves as a powerful example of citizen rights, police accountability, and the importance of legal knowledge, even in everyday situations like driving for Uber. It also underscores the critical role of video evidence in ensuring transparency and justice in police interactions.
