New York State Police will stop releasing mug shots to the public beginning immediately.
State lawmakers banned the release of mug shots, also known as booking photographs, as part of the 2020 executive budget, approved by both the Senate and Assembly this weekend.
The bill is awaiting Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s signature, according to the Senate website. Once signed, the ban goes into effect immediately for all police agencies in the state.
State troopers said in an email notice today they would immediately stop releasing the photos.
Until now, New York State Police have routinely released multiple mug shots a day in press releases, in response to media requests and on the organization’s news website. On the day troopers announced the new policy, a press release went out that included two booking photographs of men arrested in a drug bust in Utica. The photos were removed within 15 minutes.
A state police spokesman said officials may continue to release mugshots from time to time when it serves a law enforcement purpose. Examples might include when investigators are searching for a missing or wanted person.
Gov. Cuomo’s office initially proposed banning the release of other booking information collected at the time of a person’s arrest, calling it an “unwanted invasion of personal privacy.” The legislature ultimately decided to only ban mug shots.
Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government, education and other issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992