Mug Shot Monday: Aug. 13

Eileen Kenah August 13, 2012 at 12:57 pm

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 (Editor) August 13, 2012 at 01:05 pm

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 August 13, 2012 at 01:43 pm

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?

Adam Thomas August 13, 2012 at 01:52 pm

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!

Lauren Williamson (Editor) August 13, 2012 at 01:55 pm

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

Tony Cesare August 13, 2012 at 02:06 pm

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..

Susan Carroll August 13, 2012 at 02:32 pm

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 August 13, 2012 at 04:11 pm

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 (Editor) August 13, 2012 at 04:14 pm

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 August 13, 2012 at 04:28 pm

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 (Editor) August 13, 2012 at 04:29 pm

Hi there,
The charge is noted in the caption below the photo. Best, Lauren

AL August 13, 2012 at 09:07 pm

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

Scott C. August 13, 2012 at 09:25 pm

When are we getting together, Tony?

stef August 17, 2012 at 01:27 am

Good point Al!