FBI Boss Latest Official To Say Viral Video Has Chilling Effect On Policing

CHICAGO (AP) -- The FBI director says police anxiety in "the era of viral videos" appears to be part of the reason for rising violent crime in several big U.S. cities.

James Comey spoke Friday at a University of Chicago Law School forum.

Comey referred to a spike in violence in several cities from Chicago to Dallas. He told several hundred students there may be multiple explanations for the increase in homicides and other violent crimes.

But he says officers nationwide tell him they fear the presence of cellphone video everywhere they go.

Comey's comments echo Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's recent remarks. Emanuel has said Chicago police officers are going "fetal," pulling back and second-guessing themselves for fear that scrutiny of their actions will get them into serious trouble.