Mugshots to be released 'routinely' under new PSNI policy
Stormont's justice minister said custody images could still be released in some cases where offenders receive a sentence of less than 12 months.Naomi Long was responding to a written question from Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) assembly member Phillip Brett.He asked if the minister had considered updating legislation to ensure custody images were published of those convicted for sexual offences against children.Long said her department intends to "consider the need for policy" and amendments to legislation "on the use and retention of custody images".Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme on Friday, she added: "It's about justice being done and being seen to be done, I think for victims it will give the reassurance, but also for the public it will give the reassurance."I think it is right that these images be published, I think it correct that there is an assessment within in the PSNI in order to do that and in cases of sentences less than 12 months there is also provision that that can be done."It will help restore confidence in the public that the justice system can actually deliver for them and see serious offenders put behind bars."The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)'s justice spokesperson said he thinks the change will be "a deterrent to stop people getting into crime".Speaking on Evening Extra, Doug Beattie said: "If you don't get involved in criminality then you won't get your picture put out there.""There are lots of measures that we need to put in place to try and rebuild confidence in our justice system, but this is one of them and I think it's important for communities," Beattie added.
