Did you know that in the United States, an arrest happens approximately every three seconds? Not all people who are arrested have committed legitimate crimes, but this is still a staggering number.
Many people who are placed under arrest will have to take a mugshot. You’ve probably heard of mugshots, but what is a mugshot really? Why do they exist, and what do police officers and judges use them for?
We’re here to answer a few questions. Read on to learn all about why people take mugshots after getting arrested.
What Do Mugshots Look Like?
Before the rise of digital cameras, mugshots looked a bit different. If you’ve ever seen someone taking a mugshot on television, you might be familiar with what they “stereotypically” are supposed to look like.
Back then, the “criminal” in question had to hold up a card that had their first and last name on it, as well as a reference number. They may have stood against a height measurement chart as well.
Now, the person can take a simple photo instead. All of their information goes into the database afterward.
Most mugshots have both a front view and a side view.
Modern mugshots are similar to old-fashioned “wanted” posters that would go up around towns and cities to identify criminals who were on the loose. Most of the time, however, criminals in mugshots are already under police custody.
What is a Mugshot For?
So why do people have to take mugshots anyway?
Mugshots go into shared databases. There are mugshot websites where you can look for a person if you have some doubt on him/her. This allows legal departments nationwide to find repeat offenders or people who have warrants out for their arrest. If the person commits another crime, police can use mugshots to find them or send them to the proper authorities.
Not all judges allow mugshots in trials to avoid potential biases. Mugshots don’t mean that a person is guilty, but the jury may not see it that way.
Are Mugshots Publically Viewable?
Arrest records are (usually) public records. This means that you can find mugshots online if you know what you’re looking for. You can take a look at an example of an inmate search roster.
If you’re unable to see the mugshot that you’re looking for online, you may be able to contact the police department for more information. There may be a reason that the mugshot is private.
Are Mugshots Ethical?
There’s some debate over whether or not mugshots are ethical. Again, a mugshot, or even going to jail, doesn’t mean that someone is guilty of a crime. If employers or peers of the person see the mugshot, they may associate them with a crime even if the person was innocent.
Mugshots of innocent people could also lead to “vigilante justice,” though this is uncommon.
Mugshots Explained
So what is a mugshot? In short, a mugshot is a photo that an arrestee has to take when they’re taken to jail by a police officer, regardless of whether or not they’re guilty. Mugshots help police collect information and exchange it with other police departments nationwide.
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