CombustionJunction said:
And you know that where we're from, your mugshot goes up on the internet for all to see.
http://www.mugshotsgainesville.com/
wow, I can't quite believe that! I don't think something like that would ever be allowed on this side of the pond, due to privacy laws etc, probably in addition to the cops wanting to keep details quiet whilst they make their case. I notice that the site says that the public has the right to see who the police have taken in, and I think that must be where the key difference lies. I don't think the public here has any such right. Here the police will only ever say 'a xx year old man has been detained/arrested/charged', at least in the early stages before the case is compiled and is going to prosecution. They won't even release a name, let alone a mugshot, and I don't think we get to know these details until a case is filed for prosecution. I guess I can see there's benefits and disadvantages for the rights of both suspects and the public from each approach. But your mugshot online, perhaps falsely charged with some heinous crime, untried and convicted, and maybe before the cops even know the full details of the case, is some pretty scary shit