Mug Shot Reform | A Day Without Water

By Steve Kraske,

Mackenzie Martin, Luke X. Martin, Chris Young

Published October 21, 2020 at 12:16 PM CDT

The Blue River in Kansas City has been a destination of recreation for over a century. This post card from 1912 depicts how locals used the waterway. — The Blue River in Kansas City has been a destination of recreation for more than a century. This post card from 1912 depicts how locals used the waterway then.

Newsrooms in Kansas City and around the country are rethinking the way they use mugshots, and a new campaign is kicking off to promote the value of clean water in urban areas.

Segment 1, beginning at 3:58: The Kansas City Star and 41 Action News have recently enacted new policies for using police mug shots.

Mug shots, which often carry an implication of guilt prior to sentencing, have disproportionately affected communities of color and lower income. "This is really just about us listening to the community, and having more transparency and accountability with how we use these photos," said Dia Wall, of 41 Action News.

Dia Wall, anchor and reporter, 41 Action News
Shawn Michelle Smith, professor of visual and critical studies, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Segment 2, beginning at 29:02: The Heartland Conservation Alliance is participating in "Imagine a Day Without Water."

This national campaign encourages people to consider the importance of clean water for conservation, recreation and everyday life. In addition to awareness, the campaign focuses on education and developing better green infrastructure in places like Kansas City.

Jill Erickson, executive director, Heartland Conservation Alliance
Carl Stafford, founder and lead concept specialist, My Region Wins!