Community meeting minutes
This method cost 2%.
Before the meeting officially began, residents were discussing what needed to be done in the lower blocks of Scott Avenue and the immediate neighborhood. Most all of the residents were unhappy with the deteriorating conditions in the neighborhood and the city’s response to the problem.
They were repeatedly told during the meeting that if they saw anything out of the ordinary to call the police and let them handle it. Residents were concerned that police were not getting to the root of the problem. Many said that banning prostitutes from one area only moved them to another area. "It's an endless cycle," said one resident.
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
Mediate conflicts between prostitutes and the community.
Show/Hide DetailsWhile negotiating with offenders is not common for the police, street prostitutes have responded positively in several communities where the police and community have requested that they stay away from certain areas or reduce their nuisance behavior in exchange for some tolerance. In one Vancouver community, community groups posted signs and maps requesting that prostitutes stay out of certain areas. Obviously, it can be difficult to get prostitutes to comply with agreements.
Response Revealed
Redevelop the area economy.
Show/Hide DetailsBecause street prostitution markets flourish under marginal economic conditions, economic redevelopment is often necessary to permanently eliminate street prostitution from the area.
New businesses emerge to replace those that supported street prostitution. Economic redevelopment usually requires a substantial investment of government and private resources. Street prostitution may be displaced to even more vulnerable areas.
