Citizen Survey
Return to Other Agency Reports
| Citizen Survey Data | last month |
|---|---|
| Seriousness of problem (0-10 scale with 0 not a problem and 10 most serious) | 8.3 |
An informal citizen survey conducted by the Central City Business Owners Association revealed that the community is not confident that the current administration is prepared to handle the growing problem of street prostitution. Citizens rated the problem of street prostitution very high, 8.3, with 10 representing the worst.
Other Results
52% of those polled said they would not re-elect the mayor unless a solution to the problem is found quickly. 40% felt comfortable giving the mayor and the police department time to create a suitable plan. 8% stated they are not sure how they felt about the problem.
The poll also asked about the community’s spending habits. 61% of residents said they were visiting the Peachtree Mall more frequently since the death on Scott Avenue. 47% said they were less likely to patronize restaurants along Scott Avenue although 48% stated they had in fact, visited an eating establishment on Scott Avenue in the last month.
38% of residents polled had visited the newer clubs of upper Scott Avenue more than once in the last month. 22% said they had not considered visiting the clubs as they are seen as college hangouts. Many of those who have visited the clubs were happy to report that the clubs welcomed older residents as well as college students.
Response Revealed
Encourage community members to publicly protest against prostitutes or clients.
Show/Hide DetailsDirect community activism in the form of organized marches, rallies or confrontations of prostitutes and clients has proved effective in disrupting and moving street prostitution markets. This response is intended to intimidate prostitutes and clients, and to demonstrate the community’s resolve against street prostitution. You must guard against overzealous community conduct that violates prostitutes’ rights.
Response Revealed
Establish formal or informal red-light districts where street prostitution is tolerated.
Show/Hide DetailsIn most cases, the existence of red-light districts has not reduced the volume of street prostitution, the level of nuisance complaints or the harm to prostitutes. Creating tolerance zones for street prostitution implies some official approval. As is true with respect to most vices, official disapproval has at least a marginal deterrent effect. In many jurisdictions, this response is not viable because of legal restrictions or public opposition.
Response Revealed
Enforce laws prohibiting conduct associated with prostitution and solicitation.
Show/Hide DetailsMany jurisdictions have enacted laws that prohibit conduct associated with prostitution and the solicitation thereof, such as loitering for the purposes of prostitution, loitering in search of a prostitute, and curb-crawling. These laws are designed to allow the police to charge prostitutes and clients without having to prove there was a proposed or actual exchange of money for sex. Charges of loitering for the purposes of prostitution are difficult to prove in some jurisdictions, so even if arrest rates are high, prosecutions may not be.
