In Evesham Township, New Jersey, a drunk-driving arrest will get you more than a big fine and a night in jail—your mug shot and name will also be added to a public Facebook page. The police department’s Facebook page features video clips, mug shots, police reports, pictures of missing person, and now names and photos of people who have been arrested for drunk driving.
Lt. Walt Miller told the Courier Post that the information on the Facebook page helped lead to the arrest of James Dahl, a 20-year-old who has been charged with starting 13 fires in Marlton’s Kings Grant development.
With almost 4,400 followers, the page has about half the number of Facebook fans of the New Jersey state police.
Critics say photos and ID information shouldn’t be posted until suspects are convicted, as it could hurt careers and reputations.
Bernard Bell, a law professor at Rutgers University law professor, said that posting mug shots and arrest information on Facebook could be considered a privacy violation, although this information is part of the public record. He added that it seems inappropriate for a police department to allow the general public to view and comment on photos of someone who hasn’t been convicted.
However, Miller said posting this kind of information is acceptable within the department’s policy on public information and media releases. Gloucester Township is also considering adding drunk drivers’ mug shots and arrest information.
Miller said they want every resident and business owner in the community to be a “fan” of the Facebook page so they can reach more people and solve more crimes.
Source: Courier Post Online, Jeremy Rosen, Evesham police begin posting DUI arrest pics, details on Facebook, August 11, 2010
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