Police allow victims to look at mug shots to try and identify the person who assaulted them or committed another crime they witnessed such as a theft or even an abduction or murder. It's a way of helping police to identify people just like fingerprints and DNA.
Does your mugshot ever go away?
Unfortunately, mugshots can stay online indefinitely if steps are not taken to remove them. Even getting your records sealed or expunged, which is supposed to mean your case is confidential and a company should remove any trace of your arrest, does not necessarily delete a mugshot online.
Why are mugshots public?
The owners of mugshot websites have stated their belief that publishing the information can spur tips to Crime Stoppers and deter others from committing crimes for fear of their information being published. Arrest data and photos are public record , and can be accessed through the websites of law enforcement agencies .
How do mug shots work?
While the booking officer takes down personal information about the suspect and confiscates their personal belongings, the mug shot identifies and records the arrestee. Victims and investigators use the mugshot to identify the perpetrator of a crime or locate a fugitive.
Can you view mugshots online?
Every state in the US (except for Louisiana) considers mugshots as public records. During the booking process, the police record the personal details of a suspect – including their mugshot. The records are kept in both physical and digital files. So, online mugshots are available to the public on the internet.Sep 24, 2021
Are mugshots public record?
ALBANY — New York State Police are no longer making mugshots public, going a step further than a new law passed as part of the state budget. Troopers will only release booking photos if there is a “specific law enforcement purpose,” the agency said in a statement.Apr 4, 2019