As an incentive for Patterson to turn himself in, the Denver Police Department has stated, “NOTE TO SUSPECT: If you turn yourself in, we will expire this post upon confirmation of your booking.” This move suggests a policy of leniency in regards to the online circulation of Patterson’s mug shot after his surrender. Yet, it remains unclear how this might affect the legal process that follows an arrest. The announcement, which was published on October 28th, does not provide details on the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
While the Denver Police Department utilizes social media as a tool to harness the eyes and ears of Denver’s residents, the effectiveness of these digital wanted posters in actually resolving cases without compromising the ‘innocent…..