LPD defends press release policy
Laramie Police Department releases have been criticized for both sharing too little information and sharing too much. A release today highlights the agency’s justification for the balance it strikes.
The Laramie Police Department issued a press release about press releases today, clarifying the agency’s intentions behind sharing the information it does.
The release does not detail any change in policy, but rather details and justifies the existing policy.
“This is just clarifying for the people who think there’s a vast conspiracy to hide information from the public,” said Steve Morgan, a spokesperson for the department.
LPD has issued media releases about every felony arrest since 2010, according to today’s statement.
“These releases detail the date and time of the incident that led to the arrest, the name of the individual arrested, if allowed by Wyoming State Statute, and information about the charge(s) related to the arrest,” states today’s release. “To protect the prosecutorial integrity associated with the arrest, no further information will be released. This is not an attempt by the Police Department to be vague or to be nontransparent about the arrest, but rather ensures that the Albany County Attorney’s Office has the best opportunity to be successful in the prosecution of the individual(s) arrested.”
The department’s press releases attempt to walk the line between informing the community about police actions, while not maligning individuals who are legally “innocent until proven guilty.” The releases are sent directly to reporters and made public on LPD’s Facebook page.
“With this policy, it is the Police Department’s intent to provide as much information as possible to the community, so that citizens are informed about crime in our community,” today’s release states.
The department has also received criticism that cuts the other way. When LPD shares arrest information with reporters and on Facebook, it usually includes mugshots of the individuals who are charged.
And Facebook commenters frequently question the fairness of this practice.
“It doesn't seem just for you to post their photos and charges on social media where the mob runs rampant and guilt is assumed,” reads a recent comment from Shannon Brown that garnered 22 likes. “I just think you should go public with the photos and details AFTER they've gotten their day in court and been convicted.”
Media releases will still include mugshots, Morgan said, adding that mugshots provide information to neighbors, friends and the rest of the community about actions LPD has taken.
“Whatever the facts of the case, the fact remains that this person was arrested,” Morgan said.
A wealth of information about specific criminal charges — including details of the police investigation preceding those charges — becomes part of the public record when police make an arrest and file an affidavit.
Affidavits can be viewed at the Albany County Courthouse both before and after prosecution.
The Laramie Police Department’s Facebook page also shares weekly service call tallies, requests for information pertaining to unsolved crimes, and other departmental news.
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