Mug shots have different terms or names. One of these is head shots. On the other hand, the more proper term for this is booking photograph. This is a portrait taken after an individual is arrested. The concept of a head shot or mug shot was developed by a nineteenth-century United States detective, Allan Pinkerton. Almost all mug shots consist of two poses. The first pose is upfront, while the other is side view. Pinkerton had a detective agency, which was the first organization to make use of ?Wanted? posters and pictures during the days of the Wild West.

The Evolution of Mug Shots

Before the conception of computers and other technological gadgets, the arrested individual was told to carry a card when his or her mug shot was taken. This card contains the name, date, police station, and other data that is connected with the arrest and the person. During the recent years, mug shots are captured through digital photography. The arrested person does not bring an identification card anymore, while the shot is being captured. Instead, the digital photo is linked to an online database that also holds records regarding the arrest of the individual.

The Purpose of Mug Shots

The main reason why law enforcers take mug shots of arrested individuals is to enable the latter to keep photographic records of the former. These photographs are shown to investigators and victims for easier identification of the person who has offended them. Mug shots are not only used within agencies of law enforcement. These are used for publication under certain conditions known as ?fair use? doctrines. The publication of the photos may be placed online, in television, or in newspapers. However, the copyright of the photos is owned by the jurisdiction responsible for acquiring the mug shots. A prison head shot within United States law enforcement offices may be acquired by the public by means of Freedom of Information Act. But this free access is not applicable for criminal records that have been sealed.

General Facts about Mug Shots

Prison head shots are called mug shots taken from different languages. It is obtained from the term ?mug,? which is an English colloquial word for ?face.? The use of this term dates back to the eighteenth century. On the other hand, the term ?mug shot? is also taken from the word ?mug? that refers to the usual grimace of arrested individuals. This is because early prisoners attempt to lessen the value or identity of their mug shot through twisting the muscles of their faces or by grimacing. Later on, this term was used for acting wherein ?mugging? refers to ?overacting? or ?emoting.? Mug shots are not only used in prison and law enforcement offices. During the present times, these shots refer to small photos that capture only the face.

Most of the individuals, who request for mug shots usually work within the field of media. They use the photos to support their articles or news regarding the publication of the individual's arrest or court proceedings.