The Anne Arundel County Police Media Relations Unit has made a change to its policy with regard to the dissemination of photographs of persons in custody. The Anne Arundel County Police Department will no longer routinely release photographs of subjects in custody, with limited exceptions. This change has been made in an effort to reduce bias of those viewing photos of subjects in custody. Bias can have a lasting effect on a person whose photograph was disseminated to the public and was later found to be not guilty of criminal charges.
Photographs of individuals with active warrants and who are actively being sought by members of Law Enforcement may be released, when deemed appropriate by investigators. The agency may release photographs of subjects in custody if such release furthers a criminal investigation.
This change is in line with the policy adopted by Eye On Annapolis back in March of 2020.