Electronic Surveillance
This method cost 25%.
A thorough review of surveillance tapes from the 200-800 blocks of Scott Avenue yielded some interesting information.
The highest zones of activity revolve around Lucky’s Bar, the Blossom and Secrete hotels and the Lazy Lounge. Activity starts late in the evening and even later on the weekends. Most transactions occur after 11 pm. On the weekends, however, there seems to be fewer prostitutes until after 2 or 3 am. It was observed that many clients circle along Scott Avenue in a vehicle until a prostitute becomes available. Most of the girls hide in the shadows between buildings to avoid contact with the public, as there are a number of popular restaurants in the area. The area can get pretty busy with residents during the early evening hours.
When the girls see cars slowing down in the vicinity, they walk out to the sidewalk to negotiate a price.
Another popular method seems to involve clients getting dropped off by cab to Lucky’s Bar or the Lazy Lounge. After some time, those clients were seen leaving with a prostitute.
A number of college students were also spotted in the area, although it is not clear whether they actually were clients or were just downtown for other reasons.
Response Revealed
Secure abandoned buildings.
Show/Hide DetailsStreet prostitutes and clients sometimes use abandoned buildings for sexual transactions. If demolishing or rehabilitating the buildings is not feasible, securing them can help reduce street prostitution and other offenses in the area.
Response Revealed
Warn property owners about the use of their premises for prostitution.
Show/Hide DetailsMany property owners unwittingly support street prostitution because they do not appreciate how their business practices enable it to flourish. You can remind them of their legal obligations and provide them and their employees with specific training to help them prevent their properties from being used for prostitution.
Response Revealed
Enhance lighting.
Show/Hide DetailsImproved lighting reduces the attractiveness of certain areas for street prostitution because it reduces the level of privacy prostitutes and clients seek to negotiate and complete their transactions. Motion-sensitive lighting is useful for secluded areas like alleys and doorways.
