Joe Mosby
Return to Police Staff Interviews
This method cost 2%.
“I can recall several times when the johns I stopped for patronizing prostitution would beg me not to arrest them. Their fear was that their family and friends would find out the circumstances of their arrest. Some even offered me bribes to let them go. On more than one occasion, I was surprised to find out who some of the johns were. They ranged from public officials, high profile business people, and, on one occasion, another officer from a nearby jurisdiction. I don't understand why people would risk so much.
Whenever I encounter a john that has a lot to lose, I tell them I will personally call their family if I ever see them in the area again. This is usually effective as long as the john has something to lose. Besides, a criminal charge for such an offense is too harsh.”
Response Revealed
Serve restraining orders/civil injunctions against habitual prostitutes.
Show/Hide DetailsIn several jurisdictions, the police have coordinated with merchants whose business is negatively affected by street prostitution to obtain restraining orders against prostitutes, prohibiting them from engaging in specific behavior within a specific area. In San Bernardino, California, certain existing municipal codes have been incorporated into court-ordered civil injunctions against known prostitutes.
Violations of the restraining orders result in jail time and fines that exceed the usual penalties. You should consult with legal counsel about the requirements for obtaining restraining orders. It may also take a lot of time and effort to obtain the documentation necessary for a restraining order.
Response Revealed
Expose clients to publicity.
Show/Hide DetailsCommunity groups have organized to expose prostitution clients' identitiesto either the general public or the clients' families or employers. This can be done by photographing or videotaping clients, calling clients' families or employers, writing down license plate numbers of vehicles seen driving around prostitution strips, mailing warning letters or postcards to registered vehicle owners, or posting clients' names or photographs on street posts, billboards, telephone hotline fliers, and Internet sites. Some police agencies have sent official letters or postcards warning prostitution clients about the legal and health consequences of patronizing prostitutes. In some instances, they send these warnings only to those arrested for soliciting prostitutes; in other instances, they send them to the registered owners of suspicious vehicles seen driving through street prostitution areas. In some areas, police use closed-circuit TV cameras to discourage potential clients from hanging around.
Some police agencies and local governments have publicized the names and photographs of clients who are either arrested for and/or convicted of prostitution-related offenses. The names and photographs may appear on television, in newspapers or on Internet websites. Many media outlets, however, refuse to participate, deeming it unnewsworthy and not wanting to appear to be an agent of the government. Some local governments have purchased advertising space to publish the information. There should be safeguards so that innocent persons are not unfairly accused or implicated in illegal activity.
