Why Britney Spears’ Mugshot Won’t Be Made Public
Trending on Billboard
Pop star Britney Spears will not have her recent mugshot released, following a run-in with the law that has garnered significant media attention.
On Tuesday, March 10, Us Weekly reported that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has determined that Spears’ booking photo does not meet the criteria for public release. The office stated that the photo is considered discretionary under their policy.
A representative from the sheriff’s office explained, “It is our practice to release booking photos for violent crimes or when an individual is an immediate threat to the public. The charges being brought against Britney Spears do not warrant release in accordance with our policy.”
Spears was arrested by the California Highway Patrol on March 4 after being pulled over in Westlake Village, located in Los Angeles County. Dispatch audio revealed that officers observed her allegedly swerving between lanes and speeding. According to a statement from Rolling Stone, the California Highway Patrol noted that Spears showed signs of impairment and underwent field sobriety tests. She was arrested at approximately 9:30 p.m. PT on suspicion of driving under the influence and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail around 3 a.m. PT. Spears was released three hours later, at 6 a.m. PT on March 5.
In a statement to Billboard on March 5, a representative for Spears described the incident as “unfortunate” and “inexcusable.”
The representative expressed hope for Spears, stating, “Hopefully she can get the help that she needs. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being.”
Following her arrest, Spears has deactivated her Instagram account and is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on May 4.
