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Commissioners vote 4–1 to ask sheriff to stop posting mugshots of non-convicted defendants
Summary
Alachua County commissioners approved a motion directing the chair to send a letter asking the sheriff's office to cease use of mugshots and photographs of non-convicted defendants in social media and press releases; the motion passed 4–1.
A motion asking the chair to send a letter to the sheriff requesting that the department stop publishing mugshots and photographs of non‑convicted defendants on social media and in press materials passed the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners 4–1.
A commissioner moved that the board "ask them to cease the practice of using mugshots and photographs of non‑convicted defendants on their social media and in press releases," citing concerns that the practice publicly shames people who have not been convicted. Another commissioner seconded the motion.
During debate members cited a prior informal agreement with the sheriff's office to limit such postings and said the practice had creeped back. One commissioner suggested the motion request the chair send a letter seeking that the sheriff stop posting images of non‑convicted defendants; another commissioner recommended using the phrase "non‑convicted defendants" rather than "non‑convicted criminals."
The board voted with four in favor and one opposed. The chair directed staff to prepare the letter for the chair's signature and send it to the sheriff's office.
Next steps: staff will draft the letter and the chair will send it to the sheriff's office.
