In a surprising turn of events, the Murrieta Police Department has been instructed by LEGO to cease the use of LEGO minifigure images to obscure suspects' faces in their social media posts. This decision comes after the department's unique approach of using playful images to maintain anonymity while sharing crime updates caught national attention and was met with a directive from LEGO citing intellectual property concerns.
Lieutenant Jeremy Durrant of the Murrieta Police issued a statement confirming the department's compliance with LEGO's request and outlined their search for new, engaging ways to share their content while respecting the privacy and rights of individuals, in line with recent California legislation.
This legislation, known as California Assembly Bill 994 and Penal Code 13665, sets forth strict guidelines on the sharing of suspect images, aiming to balance public safety with individual privacy rights. It necessitates the removal of such images from social media within a specific timeframe, except under certain circumstances.
The Murrieta Police's creative approach to sharing information has included using various icons, such as emojis and characters from popular culture, to cover faces in images shared on their extensive Facebook feed. This method has been part of a broader strategy to inform the community while adhering to legal requirements and respecting individual dignity.
As the Murrieta Police Department adapts to these changes, they remain committed to transparency and keeping the community informed in a responsible and respectful manner.
Stay connected with us for more updates and to discover what's happening in Murrieta. Sign up for our free newsletters today!
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
 |  |  |
