Copwatch (also Cop Watch) is a network of Canadian and United States activist organizations that observe and document police conduct. The stated goal of Copwatch groups is to engage in monitoring of the police, videotaping police activity, and educating the public about police misconduct.

The first group to call itself Copwatch started in Berkeley, California in 1990, although there are now a couple of Copwatch groups in United States cities.

Copwatch methods

The main function of most Copwatch groups is monitoring police activity. “Copwatchers” go out on foot or driving patrols in their communities and videotape interactions between the police and civilians. Some groups also patrol at protests and demonstrations to ensure that the rights of protesters are not violated by police officers. One Copwatch organization states that it has a policy of non-interference with the police, although this may not be true for all groups.

Copwatch groups also hold “Know Your Rights” forums to educate the public about their legal and human rights when interacting with the police, and some groups organize events to highlight problems of police abuse in their communities.