A sheriff’s office in Mobile, Ala. decorated their Christmas tree with mugshots they collected throughout the year, referring to them as “Thugshots”.
“We have decorated our Tree with THUGSHOTS to show how many Thugs we have taken off the streets of Mobile this year! We could not have done it without our faithful followers!” the office said in a social media post.
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The post which has since been taken down details a “special Christmas offer” the sheriff’s office is offering to the “thugs’ in Mobile, according to a local station.
‘Throughout the month of December we are offering ALL MOBILE COUNTY THUGS a special Christmas offer. Come to 510 South Royal Street and you will get to pick out one item from our property room! That’s right…any of the things that your friend THUGS have stolen will be available for you! But that’s not all, after you choose your one stolen item, your very own personal concierge #correctionsofficer will provide an escort to METRO DELUXE where you will receive your FREE COVID TEST. If you pass your test, then your concierge will take you for a “custom fitting” to receive your Holiday Jumpsuit with matching “flap flops”.
Many people ask after receiving their custom fit jumpsuit, What are the different ways to wear a jumpsuit during the holiday season? Our experts, #repeatoffenders, say dress it up with a jacket on top, blazer for formal events or a leather jacket for those casual outings…
The post drew sharp criticism from local civil rights group and from thousands of social media users online.
Bernard Simelton, president of the Alabama NAACP, criticized the “despicable behavior by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Department,” al.com reported. Robert Clapton, the president for Mobile NAACP called the post “inappropriate, shameful, disrespectful, despicable, disgusting and embarrassing to the citizens of Mobile County.” And the executive director, of the ACLU JaTune Bosby called it “divisive and cruel”.
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Lori Myles, the spokesperson for the office told Associated Press that the post was part of a series of “thug Thursday” messages that highlight photos of people who are wanted for various crimes.
