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Why Some Kansas City Newsrooms Are Changing The Way They Use Mug Shots

A composite image of three tintype mug shots from the 1850s and 1860s.
Missouri Historical Society
The Missouri Historical Society is home to some of the country's oldest mug shots, like these tintypes from the 1850s and 60s.

Mug shots often carry an implication of guilt prior to sentencing, and 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.

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When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.
Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.
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