RALEIGH, N.C. — If you are arrested in Wake County, you might just end up in "The Slammer." It's a weekly newspaper in Wake and Mecklenburg counties that randomly selects mug shots to publish, along with articles about unsolved crimes, missing persons and profiles of most-wanted criminals. "Someone may see someone in there that – they were the victim of a crime and may see someone in that publication that actually perpetrated it," Sam Pennica, director of the City-County Bureau of Identification, the agency that processes mug shots and fingerprints when people are arrested by a law enforcement agency in Wake County. CCBI processes about 35,000 mug shots each year. The newspaper did not return calls from WRAL News Tuesday seeking comment but on its Web site, admits it is also part entertainment. Mug shots, for example, are singled out for things like hair style, age and personal injury. "It is a public record," Pennica said of the mug shots. "Everyone has the right to it." Photos are randomly chosen with a reminder that all people featured are innocent until proven guilty. But local defense attorney Karl Knudsen says that might not be the impression it's leaving with readers. "To be in the general media, it should be noteworthy – not just because you're charged with something," Knudsen said. "There are many people who are going to equate the fact that if your picture is in there, you've done something wrong." Duke University legal ethics professor Dr. Kathy Bradley also questions how the public records are being used. "It's one of those things, just because you can do something doesn't mean you should," she said. "There's no context for what's the other side of this story. What else do we know? There's no balance here, and I think that distinguishes it from a high-profile case." Some people might not mind, however. Pennica says a few people have asked if their mug shot will end up in "The Slammer." link: http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/3252068/ - - - - - - - - - Counterpoint: http://www.newraleigh.com/articles/archive/the-slammer-raleighs-most-wanted-on-display/ - - - - - - - - - I'm seeing this publication in more and more outlets. The clerks tell me that they all sell out their alloted copies. Does JC have a version of The Slammer?
It's a magazine and it costs a $1.00. You can view back issues online and it's pretty funny. The articles and ads. Make fun of hairstylesin mug shots.
I've been told by clerks at a local shop that there is not a Johnston County version but they intend to start producing one in the near future. Not sure how accurate that info is, but if Wake County is selling out then it makes sense that a Johnston County version is not far behind. I personally do not read it and will never buy it. My child has purchased it once, as a mother of someone he knew was in there. I certainly agree most who read it will presume guilt of the person, whether it has been proved or not.
The Slammer was where I saw my dentist on the front page about a month ago (accused and arrested for assault on a female). :?
You know, if you go by that seriously slanted article on our sheriff, the JoCo version of The Slammer would have to be in Spanish because that's all he'll arrest (Don't take that too seriously). Mike
Just curious, did JC ever get their version? The Slammer's still popping up in new places in Wake and the store clerks all say they sell out in no time.
My problem with someone being "featured" in this is that in a small community, their kids may become the target of humiliation, teasing, or being bullied. No child asks for this, especially when they have no control on the actions of their parents or adult relatives. Yes, if the pictures are public record, someone has every right to access them. As to printing them and then making profit on them, it seems that some of that money should go to the government coffers for taking the picture in the first place. And, if a person's arrest is vacated, does the rag then come back and issue an apology/correction with the same impact. Seems that if a person is incorrectly named, identified, or otherwise publicized in a paper that seemingly brings about a perjorative view of that person, then the paper should magnify its retraction. If pictures of arrestees are going to be published, then it should be all or none. And if you aren't comfortable seeing your family member in print, perhaps you have your own answer. It might be that those who purchase or peruse this type of mag also favor the "inquiring minds" type of press and while secretly enjoying them privately, don't tell their friends they read them. Human nature being what it is, it seems that we are so quick to believe something less than flattering about our fellow man, but find it easy ti dismiss the positives.
