Greg Doucette: Lawyer Indexing Police Brutality Videos & His Work
Can a single individual, armed with only a Twitter account and a desire for justice, spark a movement that challenges the very foundations of law enforcement accountability? The story of Greg Doucette, a lawyer who turned social media into a powerful tool for documenting police brutality, proves that the answer is a resounding yes.
In the wake of the tragic killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers, a wave of outrage and protest swept across the nation. It was during this tumultuous period, precisely five days after the event, that T. Greg Doucette, a criminal defense and small business attorney in Durham, North Carolina, found himself consumed by anger. Witnessing the aggressive treatment of protesters by law enforcement, Doucette decided to take action. He had followed cases of police misconduct for years, and now, he felt compelled to do more than just observe. He channeled his frustration into creating a digital archive of police brutality, a project that would evolve into a significant resource for activists, journalists, and anyone seeking to understand the scope of the issue.
Doucette, born in 1981, is best known for compiling and indexing videos of police brutality. His initial move was to start a Twitter thread, documenting incidents of police using force on protesters and media. The collection quickly grew as people started sharing videos, and Doucette would receive thousands of submissions via direct message. This became a key way to share and catalogue information. Mathematician Jason Miller lent his expertise by starting a public spreadsheet to track the content.
Doucettes online activity is extensive, with a profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members. His Instagram presence, @greg.doucette, also provides updates and commentary on legal issues and his activism. His dedication to this cause has been widely acknowledged, and his efforts have contributed to a greater awareness of police misconduct and the need for police reform.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | T. Greg Doucette |
| Born | 1981 |
| Profession | American Lawyer, Activist |
| Known For | Indexing videos of police brutality, Criminal defense and small business attorney |
| Location | Durham, North Carolina (formerly) |
| Education | North Carolina Central University School of Law, JD (2012) |
| Former Practice | Law Offices of T. Greg Doucette, PLLC (permanently closed June 7, 2022) |
| Social Media Presence |
|
| Areas of Practice (Former) | Criminal Defense, Small Business Law, Business Creation, Contracting, Litigation, Practice Setup |
| Notable Activities |
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| Professional Associations | NCCU School of Law Alumni Association |
| External Links (Verification) | Greg Doucette's LinkedIn Profile (Official professional profile) |
Doucette's work did not happen in a vacuum. He drew support from a variety of sources, with mathematician Jason Miller lending his expertise to track and organize the content in a public spreadsheet. This collaboration highlights the importance of diverse skills in achieving a common goal. The document itself, compiled by lawyer T. Greg Doucette and mathematician Jason Miller, began as a thread on Twitter and spread rapidly across multiple platforms. This demonstrated that collaboration amplifies reach and impact.
The scope of Doucettes work is further illuminated by the fact that he gathered information from a variety of sources, including online news outlets. He then used this information to maintain a spreadsheet, sharing the results with his followers. This work was not merely a collection of videos; it was a carefully curated database, a resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of police interactions. This action demonstrated the importance of due diligence and verification in the realm of investigative journalism.
The professional background of Doucette as a criminal defense and small business attorney in Durham, North Carolina, gives insight into his motivations. He saw the need to protect individual rights and hold law enforcement accountable. His law practice was built on the foundation of protecting those charged with crimes and providing services to entrepreneurs and new attorneys, his practice focusing on business creation, contract work, litigation, and practice setup. Though his practice, Law Offices of T. Greg Doucette, PLLC, permanently closed on June 7th, 2022, his dedication to justice continues. This also demonstrates that someone's career and personal beliefs can intertwine to create powerful work for the better.
The dedication of the individuals working on this project is clear in how the spread of the information was dealt with. The original thread on Twitter grew to include hundreds of videos, highlighting the widespread nature of the issues and the publics eagerness to share their experiences. Doucette's work, which included his activity on his Instagram account, @greg.doucette, shows his commitment to legal and social reform. This provides proof that social media platforms can be used as an effective tool to spread awareness and facilitate the sharing of information.
His work stands in stark contrast to the traditional mechanisms of accountability. While the Super Lawyers selection process, driven by peer influence and research, selects the top 5% of attorneys, Doucette's methodology relied on direct public input, making it a bottom-up approach. The fact that he was both a contributor to this cause and an attorney underscores a merging of professional expertise and passionate advocacy. His education at the North Carolina Central University School of Law further shaped his understanding of legal principles and procedures.
Beyond Doucette's specific work, the very act of creating an open and accessible database of police interactions serves as a powerful deterrent. The potential for scrutiny can influence behavior, creating an environment where misconduct is less likely to occur. Doucette's collection has made it easier to analyze patterns, identify problem areas, and advocate for meaningful change. This in turn, makes it more difficult for those in authority to dismiss complaints or obscure information.
This work does have its challenges and nuances. The task of collecting, verifying, and contextualizing such a large amount of data is a significant undertaking. Ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the videos, as well as addressing legal and privacy concerns, required meticulous attention to detail. There are also issues around the potential for misrepresentation, selective editing, or the absence of key context. These challenges underscore the importance of rigorous methodology and ethical considerations when working with such sensitive information.
Doucette's actions are also relevant to the wider discourse on justice and public trust. By highlighting instances of police misconduct, he forces society to confront difficult questions about the role of law enforcement, the use of force, and the need for accountability. It gives an insight into what it means to stand up for your convictions. This scrutiny can, in turn, generate broader discussions about community policing, implicit bias, and systemic change. This activism by one person brings a sense of unity.
The impact of this work extends beyond the legal and political spheres. It can provide valuable insights for researchers studying police behavior, activists seeking to mobilize public support, and journalists investigating cases of misconduct. The compilation of the information helped shape public opinion.
The legal landscape also provides some context to the work undertaken by Doucette. The role of attorneys like Gregory James Doucet, who works in Opelousas, Louisiana, in dealing with criminal law, personal injury, personal injury and real estate law provides a contrast to the digital activism pursued by T. Greg Doucette. While Doucette's approach is unique, the dedication of lawyers across the country to upholding the law underscores the importance of a strong legal system.
While Doucette's work might have been initiated out of a deep sense of outrage, it eventually became a testament to the power of individual action and the potential of digital platforms to hold power to account. His commitment to gathering, organizing, and sharing information serves as an inspiration for people wanting to effect positive change in their communities. It is a reminder that every person can make a difference. This also signifies the value of persistence, meticulousness, and a passion for justice.
The closing of the Law Offices of T. Greg Doucette, PLLC, on June 7th, 2022, did not signify the end of his commitment to fighting for social justice. His legacy is far from over. The impact of his work will be seen in the ongoing conversations, investigations, and advocacy efforts that his meticulous work made possible. Doucette's journey showcases the power of the individual to become a catalyst for social change, the power of justice, and the unending need for accountability.
