Shakedown or public service? Mug shot websites spread

[Live and Learn]

Shakedown or public service? Mug shot websites spread

By Adam Tanner | Reuters – 12 hrs ago

Large data brokers have historically limited who gets to see their detailed files on people through a complicated application procedure that discourages casual users. Now, on the spur of the moment, anybody can access digital secrets, including criminal records, thanks to a proliferation of personal data Internet sites. One subset of these sites features mug shots that can be removed for a fee.

Many among America's 314 million people are affected. U.S. law enforcement officials made more than 13 million arrests in 2010, according to the most recent FBI statistics, although that number includes repeat arrests. The bureau maintains fingerprints and criminal histories for 72 million people, according to its Criminal Justice Information Services. Drug abuse and drunk driving are the most common reasons for arrest.

Clare Dawson-Brown, assistant district attorney in Travis County, Texas, home to bustedmugshots.com's founder Kyle Prall, said she is concerned personal data sites sometimes list incorrect information and do not comply with state orders to erase certain cases from the criminal records. "Now that this information is out there it is ever more horrific for people to get their lives back together," she said. "How do you get this garbage out of there?"

Several legal experts interviewed for this article said seeking money to remove mug shots from the Internet does not qualify as a crime such as extortion, since extortion requires a threat ahead of time to post the image unless the mug shot subject pays.

http://news.yahoo.com/shakedown-public-mug-shot-websites-spread-141826804.html?_esi=1

[L0oniX]

1. Some mugshot sites have a "hottie" catagory listing addresses and other info.

It could be a stalkers dream. Your fresh 18 yo daughter gets a record for some minor infraction and guess what ...yep her location is there. Ripoffreport lists some very troubling info about these sites where they threaten to spam your employer and others with the mugshots and info unless you fork over money. It represents additional public punishment beyond the court system. Brings to mind the town dunking stool. These mugshot site operators are scum bags IMO.

Oh yea ...uhm what if the charges get dropped or you are found not guilty ...yep that's right ...your mug shot will still be there.

[Live and Learn]

2. I agree. This is quite frightening in my opinion. nt

[Nay]

4. In VA, you don't even have to be found guilty first. If you are charged, you can be found on

a website, the local weekly county newspaper, etc. That's wrong -- if you are later judged innocent, no one sees that; they just remember your mugshot and act accordingly. Employers especially can dismiss you for the mugshot, since VA is an "at will" state. It's just not right.

[sense]

3. I have to think this is a bad idea....

Although, I was able to find the mug shot of the 24 year old dealer who was providing my minor child with drugs and trying to recruit him into the business. He has a record, was re-arrested while on probation and charged with assault, concealed weapon and other things. My not so smart child didn't know any of this..... or so he says and was bringing him into our home....so it was certainly something I was interested in finding out.

I can see how it is very unfair, as employers (or anyone else) can now easily google and find out what they think is relevant information about someone they might be about to hire or do business with. Since we're supposed to be presumed innocent, this really seems over the line.