Georgetown, Kentucky, January 10, 2026
The Scott County Detention Center in Georgetown, Kentucky, has stopped the online publication of inmate mugshots. This decision aims to support the future employment opportunities of former inmates, addressing concerns that their arrest records, when publicly accessible, hinder job prospects. While mugshots are no longer posted online, the facility will still provide inmate information upon request, reflecting a broader trend towards privacy and rehabilitation in correctional policies.
Scott County Detention Center Ceases Posting Inmate Mugshots Online
Georgetown, Kentucky – The Scott County Detention Center has discontinued the online publication of inmate mugshots, a decision prompted by concerns over the impact of such postings on individuals’ post-incarceration opportunities. This change aims to mitigate the challenges faced by former inmates in securing employment due to the persistent online presence of their arrest records.
Policy Change Details
Scott County Jailer Derran Broyles initiated the detention center’s website in 2015, providing public access to inmate information, including mugshots. However, after receiving multiple complaints from former inmates about the detrimental effects of these online postings on their job prospects, Broyles reevaluated the practice. Notably, one individual, who had his record expunged after serving his sentence, found his mugshot still accessible on third-party websites, hindering his employment search. In response, Broyles decided to remove all inmate mugshots from the detention center’s website to prevent further harm to individuals’ reputations and employment opportunities.
Access to Inmate Information
Despite the removal of mugshots from the online platform, the Scott County Detention Center continues to provide public access to inmate information. Individuals can obtain specific mugshots and related details by submitting an open records request to the jail. This ensures transparency while balancing the privacy and rehabilitation prospects of former inmates.
Broader Context
The decision by Scott County aligns with a growing trend among correctional facilities to reconsider the online publication of inmate mugshots. Similar actions have been observed in other jurisdictions, such as Pima County, Arizona, where the Sheriff’s Department ceased posting booking photos online following legal challenges. These developments reflect a broader recognition of the potential negative consequences of publicizing arrest records and the importance of supporting individuals in their reintegration into society.
Conclusion
The Scott County Detention Center’s move to halt the online posting of inmate mugshots underscores a commitment to the fair treatment and rehabilitation of individuals who have served their time. By adjusting its policies, the facility aims to reduce the barriers to employment and social reintegration that can arise from the enduring online presence of arrest records.
FAQ
Why did the Scott County Detention Center stop posting inmate mugshots online?
The Scott County Detention Center ceased posting inmate mugshots online to prevent former inmates from facing challenges in securing employment due to the persistent online presence of their arrest records…