What rules are there for taking mug shots?

Question

I have noticed that some people can smile, and others it seems are told not to. Do you have the "right" to smile if you want? What if you are dirty and need to clean up? I am not planning on being arrested but have noticed that some people look better than others when it comes to mug-shots. What if you wanted to wear a suit instead of t-shirt? Could a lawyer help you get a better pic or are you booked before you can see your lawyer?

Answer 1

I work for a law enforcement agency. First off, every state and counties within the state typically have different criteria for taking inmate photo's (unless multiple agencies are sharing the same system).
Some places are more strict on images.... example, always take pictures in a particular sequence such as front view, left profile, right profile, or with glasses, without glasses, etc. Some agencies require street clothes in the image and others in jail clothing. Some may require no smiling but typically that is not something that is checked or asked of the inmate. There are numerous other scenarios so this is by far not the only set of answers. The one most important reason for taking photo's is for future identification of someone, whether that be to verify them the next time they get booked or if the photo is used in a lineup or law enforcement bulletin. This is what really drives how the photo's are taken and the need for consistency. I hope this helps. And.... JMSA from an earlier post.... When your arrested many of the rights you had are gone. In jail they can order you to stop smiling, shut up, sit, stand, tell you when to eat, drink, sleep, etc. The rules change dramatically and it is for good reason as order & safety need to be maintained in a jail facility. Just FYI.

Answer 2

It's depends on the facility they are being booked into. People are not usually given the chance to primp up before they get their picture taken. Not many people want to smile while getting a mugshot, but some do. As long as you can tell what the person really looks like, it doesn't really matter. Generally they take the mugshot during the booking in process. I doubt their attorney would be present unless it was anticipated that they would be booked in at a certain time. Some people look really bad because they are in really bad shape at the time of the arrest. They may have fought with the police or were strung out on something when arrested. People who turn themselves in will look a lot better in their mugshot versus someone who was arrested and dragged in to jail.

Answer 3

You can smile, but in Brooklyn we had to have the printing and paperwork and pictures done within an hour of bring a perp to the stationhouse. No changing clothes for that. And most people under arrest arent really in the mood to smile.

Answer 4

No mate! do not mess about, bypass immediately to the police! do not carry a knife, that's unlawful. in case you experienced in karate for see you later, and experience like you want to study the artwork of self defence that's a lot more beneficial useful than mucking about with pen knifes and getting finished in by ability of the police for wearing guns. in case you acquire mugged, do not mess about, basically bypass immediately to the police, they are going to song the fool down. don't experience embarrassed, human beings get threatened daily by ability of those with knifes and guns, you probably did the right issue, with the girls round you. i'd experience indignant too, if someone nicked my stuff, yet thjat's what the police are for. ok, spread the affection, desire you get your stuff back, XxX

Answer 5

You are photographed before you get placed in a cell, so if your dirty, bloody, drunk, high on crack, smile or not, then thats the photo your stuck with , or shall I say thats the photo the cops are stuck with.

Answer 6

yes, you have the right to smile.

Answer 7

It's not exactly "glamor shots"

Answer 8

What do you think it a class picture! what a stupid question