The recent documentary, *American Murder: Gabby Petito*, available on Netflix, sheds light on alarming deficiencies within police procedures, particularly highlighting the inaction of a female officer. This officer’s passive role during the crisis is notably troubling, as she failed to recognize Gabby Petito’s distress and neglected to inquire, “Are you safe?” Ultimately, her failure to act maintained a flawed system that let the victim down.
A Painful Watch: The Police Response
For those who have closely monitored the tragic events surrounding this case, the body cam footage presented in the documentary is exceptionally distressing. Police were summoned after a witness observed Brian Laundrie physically assaulting Petito. Yet, by the time law enforcement arrived, Laundrie appeared calm and composed, while Petito was visibly emotional, crying and trembling. Despite this visible state of distress, the officers—including the female officer—quickly framed Laundrie as the victim in the narrative.
Questionable Decisions and Missed Opportunities
Even though Laundrie had exhibited reckless behavior by speeding and hesitating to pull over, he was let off without any citation. The officers failed to probe into the reasons behind the witness’s call to police regarding Laundrie’s aggression, disregarding the significant implications of a frightened young woman entangled in a controlling relationship. Most importantly, throughout the entire interaction, no officer, including the female officer, thought to ask Petito if she felt safe.
A Disappointing Role Model in Uniform
While it would be unfair to presume that a female officer is obligated to side with a woman in every scenario, there is a pivotal expectation for her to recognize signs of trauma and advocate for a thorough inquiry. Regrettably, she adopted a passive stance, contributing little of value to the situation. At one juncture in the footage, the female officer stated, “I’d rather do something and nothing come out of it than do nothing and something does happen.” This comment had potential, yet it was directed toward the possibility of arresting Petito for domestic violence rather than prioritizing her safety.
What If? The Unasked Questions
Had the arrest been made that day, Petito might have received a no-contact order against Laundrie, offering her a chance to reach out for help. Instead, Laundrie was accommodated with a hotel stay, while Petito was left alone in a van, overwhelmed and terrified.
In the full body cam footage, it is astonishing to witness how little effort was dedicated to discerning the real risks present. Initially, Petito admitted to slapping Laundrie’s arm. It took considerable time—over 45 minutes—before an officer finally queried, “When you slapped Brian, what were you trying to do?” Until that pivotal moment, Petito was on the verge of felony domestic violence charges.
This question significantly altered the approach. Petito explained that she was attempting to get Laundrie to stop the vehicle for police intervention—an indication that should have prompted a reassessment from the officers. Instead, they fixated on de-escalation, bypassing necessary investigative actions.
The Duty of Protection
It’s crucial for women entering law enforcement to recognize the responsibility that their presence entails. Female officers can often address victims’ needs in ways male counterparts might overlook due to different lived experiences. This does not mean automatically siding with another woman but rather entails listening attentively, identifying distress, and ensuring pertinent questions are posed.
Unfortunately, in this instance, such an approach was absent.
Gabby Petito’s case is not an instance of negligence but a glaring example of failure by those whose duty was to protect her. While male officers are rightfully criticized for their inaction, it is equally disappointing to see a female officer contribute to this failure through her lack of initiative.
This documentary serves as a harsh reminder that Gabby Petito deserved better—a proactive response from law enforcement that took her safety seriously. Above all, she deserved a woman in uniform who would ask her the crucial question that could have changed everything: “Are you okay?”
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