Chattanooga's Mug Shot Culture: A Look Inside the City's Policing and Photography Practices

Chattanooga, a city in southeastern Tennessee, has a long-standing practice of taking mug shots for every individual who's been arrested, regardless of the charge. The images are taken by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and can often feature people who are intoxicated, battered, confused, or simply making a poor expression.

Other cities have implemented alternative methods and rules, but Chattanooga maintains its routine.

As the city's policing practices are brought under scrutiny, some argue that taking mug shots reflects negatively on an individual's character without convicting them of any crime. This yearly documentation of arrested individuals forces them to carry an image around for years after the charges have been dropped.