The Orlando Sentinel publishes daily mug shots from Orange County. Why? Is this a news service, participation in a local government program of shame, or just a means to drive advertising revenue? Although the Orlando Sentinel serves a larger area than just Orange County, why aren’t mug shots from other agencies included?
Each photograph comes with a standard disclaimer:
These photographs and charges are provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office of people booked into the Orange County Jail during the past 30 days. They have not been convicted of the charges listed and are presumed innocent. The charges listed were current as of the time the photo was taken. OrlandoSentinel.com will not update the status of these cases.
That’s right, we presume that everyone here is innocent with a wink and a nod, but we’re still going to post these photos in an attempt to drive advertising revenue and shame them at the same time. It doesn’t matter that some of these people may actually be innocent. Just the fact that they’re accused of a crime is enough to do whatever we want. After all, those images are public property. We have a right!
My gut tells me that a larger percentage of the people arrested probably are guilty, but so what? Posting photos of those arrested isn’t relevant news. If it’s an attempt to change behavior through shame, then it’s misguided and ineffective. For those who truly are innocent, posting their photo only adds to their burden.
What stands out to me is the large advertisement displayed by each photograph. I suspect that this is just a business decision. It appeals to the morbid curiosity of people and allows the Orlando Sentinel to profit from anything that draws a reader’s eyes to the page. It seems the real shame here is on the Orlando Sentinel for participating in the misery of others for its own benefit.