Included in the New York State budget signed April 1st is a provision to prohibit the release of mugshots by law enforcement departments. New York State troopers have already stopped releasing the photos, which are often shared on social media.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has supported the ban, citing the need to combat websites that demand payment to remove mugshots online. Newspaper editors and open government advocates opposed it.
In the early days of the new law, several sheriffs across the state are continuing to publicize mugshots, claiming it’s important for public safety. One such sheriff is Michael Zurlo of Saratoga County, who spoke with WAMC’s Lucas Willard.