Name and Shame: Should Gardaí Publish Mugshots? Episode 616

In this episode, Niall is joined by financial commentator and media regular Karl Deeter to unpack a controversial new move by the Police Service of Northern Ireland: the routine release of mugshots of people convicted of crimes and sentenced to 12 months or more in prison.

Supporters of the policy, including Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Naomi Long, argue that it’s about transparency, justice being seen to be done, and reassuring victims and the wider public that serious offenders are being held to account. But where does the line get drawn?

Niall and Karl dig into the ethical and social implications of “naming and shaming”. If someone has already been convicted and punished by the courts, is it right to then splash their face across newspapers and social media? Does public exposure serve a genuine policing purpose, or does it risk permanently damaging someone’s chance of rehabilitation — especially in cases involving reasonably minor crimes?

They also compare the approach in Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland, where Gardaí do not have the legal authority to publish mugshots, despite releasing images through programmes like Crimecall.

The big question for listeners: Is naming and shaming a necessary part of justice — or does it undermine the very idea of a second chance in society once a sentence has been served?

Let us know what you think.