Mug Shot Monday: Aug. 13
The following photos were taken at the Downers Grove Police Department between Aug. 6-9.
Information for Mug Shot Monday is provided by the Downers Grove Police Department. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken on a given day, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If you or a family member are charged or cited and the case is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to notify the editor. We will verify and report the outcome.
Eileen Kenah
8:57 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
Of course I looked at all these photos, but I am not sure what the point is for posting them. It's one thing to put someone's name in the paper after they are arrested, but a photo is a little too much. Please keep in mind that all of the people are innocent until proven guilty. Posting their mug shot is subjecting them to additional unnecessary embarrassment.
Lauren Williamson
9:05 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
Thanks for the feedback, Eileen. It is important to remember that people are innocent until proven guilty, which is why we include the disclaimer below the photos.
Best,
Lauren Williamson
Associate Regional Editor
Susan Carroll
9:43 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
I'm with Eileen. Most of these people aren't threats to the public; they have traffic violations. What is the news value of this? Or are we just humiliating people who let their car insurance lapse?
Lauren Williamson
9:55 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
Susan (& Eileen),
Thanks for your thoughtful responses. We chose to run this feature because it's public information and people have a right to know about what is happening in their neighborhoods. We've received numerous responses from people in other communities where we've run this feature who are pleased that we share the information.
Best,
Lauren
Adam Thomas
9:52 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
I agree that posting pictures of traffic law offenders is superfluous. On the bright side, we should be happy that's all the problems we're having in DG!
Tony Cesare
10:06 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
Show up repeatedly drunk, disheveled and disorderly in a local park, intimidating kids and caregivers and you get your name posted in the blotter. Let your car insurance lapse and get your mug shot splashed across the internet. That is so Downers Grove..
Scott C.
5:25 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
When are we getting together, Tony?
Susan Carroll
10:32 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
So, "public information" plus "things people are nosy about" now equals a news story? It's good to know where the journalistic standards stand.
Tammy D
12:11 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
How about doing a story on possible police misconduct?? I know of a woman in town who was arrested for shoveling snow in an unreasonable manner. Then when the prosecutor realized that this is NOT illegal, she changed the charge because this woman used profanity while arguing with someone. BOTH parties were using profanity but only one woman was charged. Sounds to me like it was a trumped up charge to begin with and should have never been filed. Things like this are disturbing and should have been investigated. Honestly, I don't give a darn about most of those things under the mug shots. I do, however, care that I could be arrested for shoveling snow in an unreasonable manner. I am not kidding about this. Do your research through FOIA. Where is the justice for this woman who up until this day, never had a problem with the law?? Pathetic!!!!! The patch is worthless and panders to some behind the scenes individuals who are pulling the strings! So biased at times it's laughable!
Lauren Williamson
12:14 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
Hi Tammy,
Thanks for the suggestion. Downers Grove Patch has a new editor starting Aug. 20, and I'm sure she'll welcome ideas from readers as she ramps up her coverage.
Best,
Lauren
becremm
12:28 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
Some of these people look drunk or on something. So if they were arrested, they were likely driving or in a public space. Glad the PD picked them up. I agree that posting photos is unnecessary. If you want to post a photo....perhaps you can note what the charge is. I could care less if the person let their insurance lapse. However, DUI charge I would like to be award of.
I feel the most bad for the guy in the first photo because his photo is the one used in the email content and the one everybody sees first.
Lauren Williamson
12:29 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
Hi there,
The charge is noted in the caption below the photo.
Best,
Lauren
AL
5:07 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
Maybe this is away of letting people know that they should obey the laws, which we ask our police dept to enforce. I see nothing wrong with this it should make them think twice. This is done in a lot of differnt areas as well
stef
9:27 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Good point Al!