Hoggard charges revive questions over when and why police release mug shots
TORONTO — The recent release of a stark mug shot featuring rock star Jacob Hoggard has raised questions about how Toronto police decide when and why to make public such images.
Upon its release Monday, many observers took to social media to wonder why a photo of the Hedley frontman — charged with three sexual offences involving two females — was so readily available when the image of accused serial killer Bruce McArthur was not.
The McArthur case has been an especially sore point for community activist Nicki Ward, who has criticized police for refusing to issue the man’s photo.
As a result, she notes many outlets have resorted to publishing pictures from his social media feeds, including one oft-used image in which he smiles softly beside a rainbow and another where he’s dressed in a Santa Claus suit.