Facebook Page Of Local Arrest Mugshots Creates Controversy

Some people arrested in El Paso might be the talk of the town, all because of a social networking site.

Busted! In El Paso, a new Facebook page, is stirring controversy in the Borderland.

Like any Facebook page, “friends” leave messages and view pictures.

The only difference is this page features mugshots – and commentary – about recently arrested El Pasoans. There wasn’t

ABC-7 contacted Dotty Griffith, spokesperson, for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Austin about the page and she said it is not a new phenomenon.

“There’s websites in Dallas, Austin, and Houston that presents mugshots of those arrested,” said Griffith.

Griffith says the ACLU supports freedom of speech and mugshots and police documents are public records.

“It’s important we have access to records, but there should be good judgment,” she said.

The Busted! In El Paso’s info page states, “Busted! In El Paso strives to make all information as accurate as possible to the best of our knowledge. All articles are written without malice.” The page does not have an email or phone number to contact the page’s administrators.

Both the ACLU and local law enforcement want to remind El Pasoans that those who are arrested are innocent until proven guilty.