Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

NYPD Stops Precinct's Tweets on Released Felons

Captain was warning people when convicts were back on streets

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 4, 2013 12:44 PM CST

(Newser) – The NYPD has shut down for now a Brooklyn precinct's Twitter feed that warned residents when local felons had been released from prison, reports DNAInfo. The precinct commander used the feed to post the photos and names of ex-cons who were back on the streets, arguing that it was public information that protected residents. Privacy advocates countered that it was unfair, and maybe illegal, because the criminals had served their time.

Either way, the site has been dark since Dec. 16, and NYPD chief Ray Kelly says the department needs to re-evaluate its social media protocol:

  • "We want to examine the whole issue. Obviously, social media, we want to use it productively. We want to use it legally. A lot of this is just new ground. It needs to be examined, and that's what we're going to do."
Read the original DNAInfo story on the issue here.

  (Shutterstock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
6%
17%
2%
13%
2%
60%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 13 comments
PancakeSorting
Jan 15, 2013 2:32 AM CST
I don't see this as a breach of privacy.  Are you saying criminals have the right to hide their criminal pasts? Then why are criminal background checks legal? It's usually a matter of public record.  Almost anyone can get a criminal background check on someone else.   It would only be a breach of privacy if the precinct was releasing data that would not normally be included in public record. This sort of thing isn't really all that new.  Many states' Department of Corrections website lists criminals and whether they're on probation or listed as freed completely. And let's not forget about the sex offender registry.  Are some crimes so heinous that people deserve to have their rights violated?  Seeing as people who urinate in public can be put on that list, you know. If you don't want your neighbors/future employers/anyone learning about your criminal past, here's a thought- don't do illegal things and don't get arrested.  If you feel as though you've left behind a life of crime/been convicted erroneously, then petition to get your records sealed/expunged. But don't whine about how it's unfair for other people to know you might steal their car.  It's unfair you ever decided to steal someone else's car in the first place, knucklehead. Whine about infringement of rights all you want- I will always take advantage of MY right to ensure that I don't hire a convict and I don't allow my children near violent sexual predators.  You'll have to excuse me for my grievous infringement on your civil rights. 
___
Jan 4, 2013 12:46 PM CST
Asshole pigs. Obviously, our Judicial System and the time served therein for past crimes is "not enough" for these life-meddling fascists.
 

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne