Sheriff preps for new mugshot release restrictions

By Terry Murry on Monday, August 30th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, it will not be legal to release booking photos of many people who are arrested in Oregon. House Bill 3273 has been signed into law by Gov. Kate Brown.

Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan says it’s his understanding that the law will apply mostly to those who have committed minor crimes. The language of the new law does say booking photos can be released to the public if it is considered likely that the release can bring in more information regarding the crime.

Currently, the Umatilla County Jail posts booking photos of all suspects who are housed there. Rowan said some changes will have to be made.

“We’ll have to work with our vendor in regards to our reporting because I think our reporting is updated every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he said.

Rep. Bobby Levy (R-Echo) and Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) voted in favor of the bill. Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena) voted no.