Unfortunately a new state law (House Bill 494) became effective in June of this year. This legislation severely limited the release by law enforcement officials of persons who have been arrested.
The law clearly allows the release of mugshots for those arrested for the following offenses listed below.
The hard working public servants of the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office and the Shreveport Police Department are carefully reviewing the mugshots of those arrested and providing to THE INQUISITOR those that clearly are allowed.
THE INQUISITOR believes that the mugshots of all persons arrested should be available for publication as a matter of freedom of the press. As the public knows, an arrest does NOT mean a conviction and there is a Constitutional presumption of innocence.
Requests have been made to the Bossier Police Department for release of mugshots. To his credit Bossier City Attorney Charles Jacobs is making an effort to have those made available to comply with the new law.
A similar request has been made to the attorney Glenn Langley as agent for the Bossier Sheriff.
Langley has not been less receptive to these requests although it is hoped that the Bossier Sheriff will comply with House Bill 494 promptly.
A big thanks to the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office and the Shreveport Police Department for providing assistance. And a thanks in advance to Bossier City Attorney Jacobs for working on this request.
Hopefully Bossier Sheriff attorney Glenn Langley will become more cooperative.
The publication of mugshots is a public service.
Readers should know people they have been arrested that they work with, live near, employ and/or interact with.
The current issue of The Inquisitor has over forty mugshots and pictures of sex offenders, and convicted criminals for public review.
