EMS Run Sheet Report

In 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.

Enforcing laws prohibiting prostitution usually requires undercover police officers to pose as clients to gather the necessary evidence, which can be difficult to obtain from street-savvy prostitutes. Enforcing prostitution laws against clients typically requires the police to pose as prostitutes to obtain evidence. Some police agencies still do not have enough female officers to conduct effective solicitation enforcement campaigns. Moreover, decoy arrests of clients are open to legal entrapment defenses if officers are not careful.