Posted on April 22, 2020

WRAL News Changing Policy on Arrest Photo Galleries

WRAL, March 13, 2020

WRAL News has decided to stop publication of arrest photo galleries on WRAL.com effective Monday, March 16. In its place, WRAL.com will offer maps that plot reported crimes and arrests for much of the WRAL viewing area.

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In recent years, however, many observers have begun to question the value of these photos and their potential for either reinforcing or creating stereotypes.

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With this change, WRAL will join media companies such as Scripps and the Houston Chronicle in removing mugshot galleries.

While WRAL.com will no longer publish galleries of arrest photos, the website and TV station will continue to use arrest photos in news coverage, especially when police are searching for a suspect deemed to be dangerous or when authorities may be trying to find additional crime victims.