Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed banning the public disclosure of "mugshots" and "booking information" compiled by law enforcement agencies when they make arrests. The measure, included in Cuomo's 2020 executive budget, would declare that the release of a person's arrest photo or other booking information would constitute an "unwanted invasion of personal privacy."
Supporters say this is long overdue; they argue that the release of "mugshots" leads to public shaming and prevents an individual from rebuilding their lives in the future. Opponents say this denies the public access to important information. Our guests debate it:
- Ron Holdraker, publisher of the Wayne County Times, which routinely publishes "mugshots"
- Jim VanBrederode, chief of the Gates Police Department
- Danielle Ponder, criminal defense attorney
- Ashley Gantt, New York statewide organizer for criminal justice reform for Just Leadership USA