West Hollywood news website WEHOville is under scrutiny for publishing local arrests records online.
According to CBS Los Angeles, the site reports on crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, and includes personal details of detainees including names, ages and crimes allegedly committed. Critics say the practice amounts to public shaming and could permanently stain someone’s online presence.
WEHOville publisher Hank Scott defends the practice, saying the community has a right to know what’s going on in their neighborhood. For example, Scott says the records have revealed arrest information of local politicians. WEHOville says they do not plan to stop publishing the records, which they source from the California Newspaper Publishers Association.
Do you think the information on individual felonies and misdemeanors should be publicized? Have you, or anyone you know, had personal arrest information published online? Share your experience with Larry Mantle by calling 866-893-5722.
Guest:
Hank Scott, publisher of WEHOville, a news website covering West Hollywood; publisher of West Hollywood Magazine, a quarterly print newspaper