Auburn Police Will Start Publicly Shaming Alleged Criminals on FB

Before they're convicted in a court of law, the Auburn Police Department will start arresting - not summonsing - alleged shoplifters and posting their booking photos on facebook. Until now, it was standard procedure to just issue a summons to court for those accused of minor misdemeanors like shoplifting.

The Bangor Daily News just reported the policy change online, and as you might expect, it's a pretty polarizing decision. Many online are praising the new shaming initiative, saying that it will deter crime. Others say that it's a reprehensible way to treat people who haven't had their day in court.

The Auburn Police say that shoplifting rates have increased more than 80% in 2018, and they think that the problem is largely fueled by Maine's continuing opioid abuse epidemic.

The Auburn Police said in a statement on facebook:

"Anyone caught shoplifting in Auburn stores will be arrested and transported to the Androscoggin County Jail. Once a week, the Auburn PD will post booking photos on their Facebook page for the world to see."