Using Police Booking Photos

Additional Considerations

As with any guideline, there may be circumstance in which exceptions to the general rule apply. There is no policy or guideline that will wholly supplant the responsible exercise of news judgment.

For example, exceptions could be made for incidents that “shock the conscience,” such as someone arrested on misdemeanor charges for spitting in a baby's face during a pandemic. Another variance would include a mayor charged with misdemeanor shoplifting. Similarly, there may be situations in which we decide not to publish a mugshot for a story that falls in the "generally acceptable use" category.

In such cases and whenever unsure, local editors must consult with and secure approval from their manager or a senior member of the editorial team (i.e., our copy chief or national editor).

Also, be mindful to avoid making the booking photo your main art whenever possible. It's usually not the most interesting, has more of a negative impact on social media that is harder to expunge and allows people to make racist comments without at least clicking on the story. When you can, consider a presentation similar to this article.

Surveillance or Security-Camera Photos

Police, FBI and other sources often release surveillance or security-camera photos. Local editors should consider the potential public benefit, timeliness and level of danger to the community when considering the use of surveillance or security-camera images.

Minor shoplifting surveillance images hold little value and shouldn’t be used.

Photos of a serial burglary or robbery suspect, a bank robber or a violent or armed fugitive would have news value and be of public benefit.