California Assembly Bill 994: Key Provisions
California Assembly Bill 994, which came into effect on Jan. 1, has significant implications for police departments in the state. Some of the key provisions of the bill include:
- Requirement to remove booking photos of suspects from social media after 14 days, unless specified circumstances exist
- Mandate for police departments to use a suspect’s provided pronouns and name in social media posts
- Prohibition on sharing suspect photos for non-violent crimes without specified circumstances
Impact on Murrieta Police Department
The Murrieta Police Department in southern California recently had to make changes to its social media practices due to the new state law. The department had been using Lego heads to obscure suspect faces in images posted online. However, this practice came to an end when Lego Group intervened, citing concerns about the unauthorized use of its intellectual property.
As a result, the police department has ceased using Lego heads and is now exploring alternative ways to engage with its social media audience while complying with privacy laws.
Evolution of the Department’s Social Media Strategy
Previously, the Murrieta Police Department had been digitally imposing Lego heads on suspect faces in photos of non-violent crimes. This approach was in line with a 2021 law that restricted the posting of booking photos for such cases.
However, the department’s decision to cover suspect faces dates back to at least 2022, as seen on its Instagram page. The department emphasized the importance of upholding the presumption of innocence and managing the workload associated with determining which photos should be shared publicly.
The recent developments highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in adapting to evolving legal requirements while maintaining effective communication with the public.
