A Southern California police department has been asked by Lego to stop using Lego heads to cover the faces of suspects in images shared on social media. The Murrieta Police Department had been altering photos by adding Lego heads and emojis to cover people's faces in posts on social sites since early 2023. The altered photos gained attention last week after the department posted a statement about its policy, leading to a request from Lego.
In a post on Instagram, the department explained that they covered faces in compliance with a California law that restricts the sharing of mugshots on social media. The law, which came into effect on January 1, 2023, requires police departments and sheriff's offices to remove booking photos shared on social media within 14 days, unless specific circumstances apply.
Experts have raised concerns about the negative impact of posting mugshots online, as they can create a presumption of guilt for individuals awaiting trial and hinder those with criminal records from finding employment. In response to the new law, the Murrieta Police Department announced a new policy in January 2023 and began using Lego heads and emojis to engage with the community while complying with the regulations.
However, on March 19, Lego contacted the department and requested them to refrain from using their intellectual property in social media content. The department has agreed to comply with Lego's request and is exploring alternative methods to share engaging content with their followers.
Assemblymember Corey Jackson, the primary sponsor of the California law, expressed concerns about law enforcement agencies finding loopholes to avoid compliance. He emphasized the importance of building trust between the public and law enforcement by upholding the law and ethical standards.
While the use of Lego heads by the Murrieta Police Department aligns with the law, Jackson highlighted that other agencies may be attempting to circumvent the regulations by posting images that do not fall under the definition of booking photos. He mentioned that his office is seeking legal advice from the state Department of Justice to address such practices.
The incident has sparked a debate about the balance between privacy rights, law enforcement transparency, and public perception. As the Murrieta Police Department adjusts its social media practices, the community and stakeholders continue to evaluate the implications of using Lego heads to cover suspects' faces in online posts.
