The Huntington Beach Police Department will not post repeat DUI offenders' names online in an effort to cut down on the city's "significant problem." (KTLA-TV / July 29, 2010) |
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KTLA) -- Police in Huntington Beach will not be posting mug shots of repeat DUI offenders on Facebook.
City council on Tuesday rejected Councilman Devin Dwyer's proposal, which aimed at keeping people from drinking and driving -- a problem that has plagued the bar-laden town.
"If it takes shaming people to save lives, I am willing to do it," Dwyer said.
The proposal initially included posting photos of everyone arrested for DUI in the city but was changed in an effort to win support from the rest of the 7-member city council.
Many residents supported the measure, however, privacy advocates and defense lawyers argued the public shaming might impact the presumption of innocence for the suspects. Council opponents worried it could embarrass family members of repeat DUI offenders or damage the city's image.
Huntington Beach is ranked top in the state for alcohol-related traffic deaths.
City council on Tuesday rejected Councilman Devin Dwyer's proposal, which aimed at keeping people from drinking and driving -- a problem that has plagued the bar-laden town.
"If it takes shaming people to save lives, I am willing to do it," Dwyer said.
The proposal initially included posting photos of everyone arrested for DUI in the city but was changed in an effort to win support from the rest of the 7-member city council.
Many residents supported the measure, however, privacy advocates and defense lawyers argued the public shaming might impact the presumption of innocence for the suspects. Council opponents worried it could embarrass family members of repeat DUI offenders or damage the city's image.
Huntington Beach is ranked top in the state for alcohol-related traffic deaths.
