Honolulu Police Posting DUI Mug Shots On Internet

At 10 a.m. each Wednesday, the photos of those arrested in the previous week will be posted for 24 hours under the headline, "Oahu's Drunk Drivers." After six months, the department will evaluate the results of the program.

The American Civil Liberties Union said the effort could violate constitutionally guaranteed due process rights.

"The police frequently arrest people who do not deserve to be arrested, and in today's Internet environment having your picture posted on a Web site is something that can stick with you for the rest of your life," said Jay Stanley, public education director for the ACLU's technology and liberty program.

McPherson said the program could also raise sticky questions if police faced the possibility of posting the photo of an arrested undercover officer or member of a witness protection program.

Barnett Lotstein, special assistant attorney for Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, said posting mug shots after convictions has had an impact.

"If you commit this kind of offense, it's not going to be a secret," he said.

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On the Net:

Honolulu Police Department: http://www.honolulupd.org/

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