The term refers to publicly available photographs of individuals taken upon their arrest and booking by law enforcement agencies. These images, often accompanied by identifying information such as name, age, and charges, are commonly disseminated by news organizations within a specific geographic region. For example, if a person is arrested in a county within the northwestern United States, a local media outlet might publish that individual’s photograph and associated details.
The practice of publishing these records serves several purported functions, including informing the public about criminal activity in their communities and potentially deterring future offenses. Historically, the release of such information has been viewed as a matter of public record, contributing to transparency in the judicial system. However, the widespread availability of these images online raises questions about privacy, potential reputational damage to individuals, even if charges are later dropped, and the potential for bias.
