Street Prostitution

By: Michael S. Scott, The COPS Office, Kelly Dedel, Police Executive Reseach Forum

Publisher: Unknown
Published: 2006
Language: Unknown
Format: BOOK
Pages: 76
ISBN: 9781932582727

About This Book

The use of social media is a relatively new phenomenon in policing. Development of formal policy on social media is generally lagging behind practice. A variety of legal, civil rights, and privacy-related issues regarding social media have been raised, but these issues have not yet been settled by legislatures or resolved in the courts. Social Media and Tactical Considerations for Law Enforcement summarizes discussions at a national conference of police executives on these issues, and analyzes the experiences of selected law enforcement agencies in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom that have shown leadership in advancing the use of social media for various purposes. Police agencies can use social media to facilitate two-way communications with the public to disseminate information, manage political demonstrations and other major events, obtain intelligence about "flash mobs" or rioting, and investigate crimes.

AI Overview

The book "Street Prostitution" by Michael S. Scott, Kelly Dedel, and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) is a comprehensive guide focused on the issue of street prostitution. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

  1. Understanding Street Prostitution:

    • The book delves into the complexities of street prostitution, including the reasons why individuals engage in this activity. It highlights that some individuals are deeply committed to prostitution for financial and lifestyle reasons, while others are committed due to drug dependency or as a means to make quick money.
  2. Demographics and Lifestyle:

    • It discusses the demographic characteristics of street prostitutes, including their age, social, economic, and health issues. Most first turn to prostitution at a young age, often before they are 18.
  3. Client-Provider Dynamics:

    • The guide examines the dynamics between street prostitutes and their clients, including the patterns of violence that can occur in these relationships. It notes that while most sexual encounters do not involve violence, many street prostitutes report having been criminally assaulted at least once by clients.
  4. Legal and Social Issues:

    • The book addresses the legal and social challenges faced by street prostitutes. It discusses how their lives are often organized around prostitution and navigating the legal system, which can lead to a cycle of arrest, jail time, fines, and returning to the streets.
  5. Mobility and Risk Factors:

    • It highlights that some street prostitutes are highly mobile, traveling from one city to another in search of better opportunities or to avoid high-risk areas. This mobility can increase their exposure to various risks, including violence and legal issues.
  6. Community and Police Response:

    • The guide provides an overview of the reasons why police should be concerned about street prostitution, including moral, public health, personal safety, spillover effects, impact on legitimate businesses, and civil rights concerns. It suggests strategies for analyzing local problems and responding to street prostitution, such as enforcement of laws, visible police presence, and community service sentences.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a traditional narrative plot but rather serves as a guide and resource for understanding and addressing the issue of street prostitution. It is structured to provide detailed information on the problem, its causes, and potential solutions.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews of the book are not readily available in the search results, the guide is likely to be well-received for its comprehensive approach to addressing a complex social issue. The involvement of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and the U.S. Department of Justice suggests that the book is a credible and authoritative resource for law enforcement and community organizations.

Additional Resources

  • PERF Guide: The guide provided by PERF is part of a broader effort to understand and address street prostitution. It includes strategies for deterring prostitutes and clients, as well as suggestions for helping prostitutes and changing the environment. The guide also identifies responses that have proven to have limited effectiveness.
  • Research and Analysis: The book likely draws on extensive research and analysis of the issue, providing a detailed profile of street prostitutes, their clients, pimps, and panderers. It also examines the areas where street prostitution exists and the factors that contribute to it.

In summary, "Street Prostitution" by Michael S. Scott, Kelly Dedel, and the Police Executive Research Forum is a comprehensive guide that provides a detailed understanding of the issue of street prostitution. It covers various themes including demographics, client-provider dynamics, legal and social issues, mobility, and community and police response. The guide is structured to offer practical strategies for addressing this complex social problem.