NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A New Orleans police department policy of releasing a slaying victim’s criminal record is drawing criticism from people who say it is insensitive.
For the past year, the department has been revealing the information in an attempt to let people know that much of the violence is happening between people with similar criminal backgrounds.
The families of victims say the information doesn’t help anyone. Other people outraged say it has racial overtones and sends a message that the victims got what was coming to them.
Last week, a Good Samaritan was shot to death when he tried to help a woman being carjacked. Before the man’s family could have his funeral, the police department revealed that he had been arrested for drugs and other non-violent crimes.
