Bill would limit access to mug shots in N.J.

    New Jersey might make it difficult for the public to have access to mug shots of criminal suspects.

    The Assembly on Thursday is set to vote on a bill that would limit the release of the photos until after a person is convicted of a crime.

    Supporters say the measure would protect the reputations of those arrested and restore the presumption of innocence in the criminal justice system.

    But the New Jersey Press Association says there’s no legitimate reason to deny the public access to the information. The organization, which represents the news media, also says the measure has the potential for increasing confusion as to the identity of the person arrested.

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