Why are police in a North Texas city taking photos of people they pull over? (Dallas: law)

[elnina]

Photos are used to ensure identities of people who contest tickets in court or do not pay fines and are arrested, Police Chief Jon Coulter said. Previously, he said, people frequently used names and birth dates of family members, and warrants were issued for the wrong people. Coulter did not say why a driver’s license or other state-issued ID are not sufficient proof.

https://lmtribune.com/nation/why-are...9a37c0db5.html

[escanlan]

From the article.

"Pearce, who worked as an Arlington teacher at the time, realized he was absentmindedly speeding"


"To his surprise, the officer let him go with a warning."


"Per the city’s policy, photos should only be taken when tickets are issued, but two people, including Pearce, told The Dallas Morning News their photographs were taken despite not getting a ticket."


"Although nothing in state or federal law prohibits police from taking or storing the photos"


“We already have driver’s licenses, Real ID photos,” he said. “Why take everyone’s picture?”

So he admits to speeding but was given a warning instead of a full ticket. Seems he got off easy and had he been given a ticket his picture would have been taken anyhow. Sounds as if the City is keeping a record of the "warnings" they hand out to ensure the person does not take advantage of it and speed again. If he wasn't speeding he would not have had to worry about his picture being taken by the LEO.



Not quite sure why the writer is concerned about taking a picture at a lawful traffic stop but is not concerned about body cams if they are being used and most likely are? The body cam videos would also be stored for a long period of time.



As for Nhan's statement the "Real ID" licenses can be forged. Found a site online that offers this amazingly. Had a past client suffer ID Theft using a forged Texas Real ID drivers license.

[Seguinite]

Aren't almost all police wearing a body camera nowadays? If they're not, they sure as hell should be, for their protection AND the citizen's. Photo issue solved.