California Police Department Asked to Stop Using Lego Heads to Cover Suspects' Faces

Since early 2023, the Murrieta Police Department in Southern California has employed a unique approach to protecting the privacy of suspects in posts on social media. Recently, the department came under fire for using Lego heads and emojis to cover the faces of suspects, a move that has captured attention and raised concerns.

The controversy surrounding the use of Lego heads erupted when the department's statement about its policy gained widespread attention. A post on the department's Instagram account on March 18 featured a lineup of five people with their faces concealed by Lego heads sporting different expressions. This post drew significant public interest and led to extensive media coverage, ultimately attracting the attention of the toy giant Lego.

Request from Lego

Following the viral attention, Lego reached out to the Murrieta Police Department, requesting them to cease using Lego heads in their social media content. In response to the request, Lieutenant Jeremy Durrant stated that they would comply with Lego's request and explore alternative methods to engage their followers.

California's New Law

The use of Lego heads by the Murrieta Police Department stems from the implementation of a new California law that came into effect on January 1. The law restricts law enforcement agencies from sharing mugshots on social media. It requires the removal of booking photos, including those of individuals arrested for violent offenses, within 14 days, unless specific circumstances, such as the person remaining a fugitive and posing a threat to public safety, justify their continued presence.

Moreover, the law builds upon a previous version that was enforced in 2022, which prohibited the posting of mugshots of non-violent offenders unless certain conditions were met. It also mandated the removal of mugshots from social media upon request from a defendant who could prove their record was sealed, their conviction was expunged, or they were found not guilty, among other valid reasons.

Community Engagement

The Murrieta Police Department's decision to employ Lego heads and emojis to cover the faces of suspects was influenced by a desire to engage with the local community while adhering to the new law. The department had previously received requests for more "Weekly Roundup" posts from the community, prompting them to adopt this unique approach.

Assemblymember Corey Jackson, the primary sponsor of California's new law, expressed concerns about the use of Lego heads by the Murrieta Police Department. While acknowledging the privacy protection aspect, Jackson questioned whether the community supported such a practice, particularly in light of the taxpayer-funded nature of law enforcement activities. He also highlighted the potential exploitation of loopholes by other agencies to circumvent the law.

Jackson's comments reflect broader concerns about law enforcement's adherence to the law and the implications of their actions on public trust and support.

Seeking Clarity

Jackson's office revealed that they are seeking a legal opinion from the state Department of Justice to address the broader issue of law enforcement agencies attempting to bypass the new law by exploiting potential loopholes. This initiative aims to ensure that law enforcement agencies uphold the spirit and letter of the law while maintaining public trust and confidence.

Looking Ahead

The controversy surrounding the use of Lego heads by the Murrieta Police Department underscores evolving challenges as law enforcement agencies navigate the intersection of privacy protection, community engagement, and compliance with new regulations. It also highlights the ongoing efforts to strike a balance between transparency and safeguarding individuals' rights in the digital age.