CALUMET CITY | Attorneys are studying whether the city can use its website to post pictures and other information about people found guilty of felony crimes committed within the city limits.

Third Ward Alderman Thaddeus Jones, who has brought the issue up in the past, has had attorneys for the city studying the issue to make sure any postings comply with the law concerning a person's right to privacy.

He said he hopes the City Council can approve a policy allowing for the public disclosure to begin in about one month.

Jones said he is convinced the city has some authority to post pictures of people convicted of crimes, out of a sense of informing the public about the potential threat that could exist within the community.

Jones wants the pictures to be posted on the portion of the city website that is used by the Police Department at www.calumetcity.org/deptdir/police.html.

While specifics still need to be worked out, Jones said he is most concerned about people who commit burglaries and robberies.

"There have been times when we have had people to come our Crime Watch meetings and they have had no idea that their neighbors had a record," Jones said.

"This is about getting information out to the public," said Jones, adding he doesn't see the idea of posting convicted burglars and robbers on the site as being any different than people convicted of sex crimes having personal information about themselves made available on the Internet.

"Once a case has been adjudicated, once there is a conviction, we have the right to post a picture," Jones said.

Nevertheless, city attorney Joe Montana said he is studying the issue to make sure that specific procedures and guidelines are created so that a person's privacy is not violated.

"We're just trying to find a better way to inform the public," he said.

For his part, Jones said he would not want people to go after those whose pictures wind up on the city website.

"This is not intended for people to become vigilantes," he said. "It is intended to encourage the public to work more closely with the Police Department."