The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) announced Wednesday that it would no longer release most booking photos in an effort to reduce racial bias.
The SFPD’s press release stated:
San Francisco Chief of Police William Scott today implemented a groundbreaking new policy that will end the San Francisco Police Department’s practice of releasing booking photos or “mug shots” except in circumstances where their release is necessary to warn the public of imminent danger or to enlist the public’s assistance in locating individuals, including at-risk persons.
The department’s decision was “heavily influenced” by its partnership with experts and also received input from academia, community groups, news organizations, and official groups such as San Francisco’s Police Commission.
Los Angeles and New York City have similar policies but do make exceptions, according to CBS SF Bay Area.
“For example, the New York Police Department, the nation’s largest, releases information on arrests but doesn’t put out mug shots unless investigators believe that will prompt more witnesses to come forward or aid in finding a suspect,” the report said.
Wednesday, Scott tweeted that the policy emerged from “compelling research” regarding the publication of booking photos:
(1/2) Today’s policy emerges from compelling research suggesting that the widespread publication of police booking photos in the news and on social media creates and illusory correlation for viewers that fosters racial bias and vastly overstates…
— SFPD Chief Scott (@SFPDChief) July 1, 2020