Mugshots are known as photographs taken by law enforcement agencies of someone’s face and profile when they are arrested. These photographs are taken to document the physical appearance of the individual at the time of their arrest. Besides, it is also important to help identify them in case they are released or transferred to another facility.
Just like arrest records, mugshots are considered as public records. As a public record, mugshots should be easy to find for free. If you want to find mugshots for free online, make sure to check the information below.
How Do You Find Mugshots Online for Free?
There are a few ways to find mugshots online for free. Some of them are as follows:
Method 1: Check county or state arrest records
One of the best ways to find mugshots online for free is by checking county or state arrest records. Access to arrest records, including mugshots is usually provided by the official website of the county and state government. Feel free to search by name, date of birth, or booking number. While most of them are free, some require a small fee or registration to access the records.
In order to find a county or state arrest record, first of all, go to the official website of the county or state government. Then, find a section on law enforcement or public safety that should have information on how to access arrest records. While some websites have a database that can be searched, some others may require you to submit a request form or contact the county or state office directly.
Method 2: Search online mugshot databases
The second way to find mugshots online for free is by searching online mugshot databases. It should be easy for you to find websites that have a collection of mugshots from different sources and make them available online. Some websites that you can visit include mugshots.com, arre.st, arrestfacts.com, and so on.
If you want to find the mugshots on these websites, you can just enter the name or location of the individual in the search bar. Sometimes, you can also filter the search by state or crime type, making the results narrowed. Keep in mind that some of these websites may charge you or have limited access to records. Aside from that, some of them may not be accurate or are outdated.
Method 3: Use search engines
The next method to find mugshots online for free is by taking the advantage of search engines such as Google or Bing. Try to search with the name of the individual and the term “mugshot” or “arrest record”. Please be careful while searching on it as some websites are suspicious and unverified. It should not be surprising if they contain malware or scams.
In addition, the search engines can also be used to find news articles or press releases related to the arrest or crime. The mugshot or information on arrests may be released by some news outlets. However, you should be aware of any biases or inaccuracies in the news coverage. Do not forget to also think of the reputation and privacy of that individual.
Method 4: Use social media
In addition to these things above, social media can also be a good source of information of mugshots or arrest records, especially for the cases that involve famous figures. It is possible for some law enforcement agencies or local news outlets to share mugshots on their social media such as Facebook or Twitter. Just try to look for the name of the individual that you are looking for or check the accounts of local police departments or news channels.
Once you get the mugshot of someone from social media, please be cautious of sharing or reposting it as it can contribute to online harassment or defamation. Make sure to respect the privacy and due process rights of someone who is in the photograph. Besides, you should also use the information for legal or official purposes only.
Conclusion
For those who want to check criminal records or identify suspects, you can find mugshots online for free. Keep in mind that the information that you get should be used ethically and responsibly. Do not forget to respect the privacy and rights of those who are involved. Make sure to always verify the accuracy and legitimacy of the records. In addition, you should also avoid using the information for entertainment or inappropriate purposes. By doing these things, you can use mugshots as a tool for justice and accountability.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
