Rep Royce Duplessis (D) New Orleans
New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis’ bill that limits the release of mugshots of those accused, but not convicted, of certain nonviolent crimes is headed to the governor’s desk. Duplessis says booking photos are highly prejudicial and once out in public, can’t be taken back. He says in most cases they serve no purpose.
“It’s just a bad practice in my opinion that we’ve gotten comfortable seeing a mug shot, but as a society, we can and should do better,” said Duplessis.
Federal authorities do not release the mug-shot photos of those arrested for a federal crime.
Under Duplessis’ legislation, a person charged with drug possession or property crimes would not have their mugshot released. For mug shots released of people who have yet to be convicted, a disclaimer must appear with the photo that says “all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
“The hope is that if nothing else, this bill will make everyone think twice (about releasing a mug shot), it will make law enforcement agencies think twice, it will make newspapers and broadcasters thing twice,” said Duplessis.
Duplessis’ bill originally proposed a wider scope for the ban but worked with the Louisiana Sheriffs Association and Louisiana Press Association to address their concerns for public safety and information. He says he will be watching to see how local law enforcement and news outlets do respond to the legislation.
“In the spirit of compromise, I was ok to live with some of those exceptions to the bill and I think it’s still going to cover a lot and a lot of people are going to benefit from the legislation,” said Duplessis.
People arrested for violent crimes will still have their mugshots released as well as those individuals involved in crimes for human trafficking, crimes involving minors, cruelty to animals and more.
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