Retro Report on PBS

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Narrator

New evidence in the Kitty Genovese case has emerged showing that details of that shocking New York Times story were exaggerated. Two neighbors did call the police. And while dozens heard her screams, only a few actually saw the attack take place. We can look back and say that it wasn't entirely accurate, but the fact is that it was a powerful change agent for society. -

Operator

911 emergency. -

Narrator

In the wake of the murder, the 911 phone system was created to make it easier to report a crime. And more states passed Good Samaritan laws to encourage people to help. But tougher measures, so-called duty to assist laws, are not widespread. It's the law in many, if not most, states that there is no criminal penalty for failing to get involved, for failing to help someone who is in dire straits or in an emergency. -

Reporter

Others watching the violence take out their cell phones and record it without intervening. -

Narrator

But the age of violent videos taken by bystanders has led to calls for new kinds of laws.