Hotel-based cops nab prostitutes
'New twist' catches sex trade workers
Mario Toneguzzi
Calgary Herald
Friday, November 28, 2003
Calgary police vice officers have launched a major prostitution sting operation in the downtown core using a unique approach.
Staff Sgt. Joe Houben, of the Calgary police vice unit, said that during the sting operation police used a downtown hotel as a cover for undercover police officers who approached prostitutes in what is termed the "A" stroll -- particularly along 3rd Avenue S.W.
"This has been successful," said Houben, adding prostitutes on the "A" stroll are more cautious in dealing with prospective clients for fear of getting arrested by undercover police officers.
He said when officers approach prostitutes with the availability of a room, it makes them more believable as potential clients for the girls.
"This is an unconventional weapon we're using, going for girls," said Det. Joe Malicdem. "It's a new twist we've incorporated. They're (prostitutes) smarter -- way smarter. They are so 'heat' conscious.
"They've learned to be more cautious."
Prior to the crackdown on Wednesday and Thursday nights, so far this year police have charged 115 prostitutes and 64 of their customers. Last year, police charged 186 prostitutes and 82 customers. And the year before, they charged 139 prostitutes and 150 customers.
At press time Thursday, the number of charges from the sting was not available.
Shirley-anne Reuben, who helped clean up the Inglewood area about 10 years ago, said police enforcement is a big component of solving the problem in any neighbourhood.
She said gaining support from businesses in the areas where prostitution takes place is a key piece of the puzzle. But she also said it's important to stop businesses from inadvertently supporting the industry.
"Merchants need to be engaged," she said. "You have to lean on some businesses that allow this to happen and take away the things that help feed (prostitution)."
Houben said police conduct sting operations depending on manpower availability and if they are seeing any trends on the street. The last sting operation prior to this week was one in early October and one in the last week of October where more than 20 prostitutes were arrested and charged.
In the coming months, police will concentrate on the downtown Beltline area and the southeast Forest Lawn neighbourhood.
"We're working with the communities to clean things up," said Houben.
A petition asking the city to develop a bylaw to outlaw prostitution in residential neighbourhoods has garnered more than 2,000 signatures.
The petition, being circulated in Forest Lawn, is to be distributed to residents in other Calgary communities as homeowners become fed up with the problem of crack-addicted hookers on their streets.
'New twist' catches sex trade workers
Mario Toneguzzi
Calgary Herald
Friday, November 28, 2003
Calgary police vice officers have launched a major prostitution sting operation in the downtown core using a unique approach.
Staff Sgt. Joe Houben, of the Calgary police vice unit, said that during the sting operation police used a downtown hotel as a cover for undercover police officers who approached prostitutes in what is termed the "A" stroll -- particularly along 3rd Avenue S.W.
"This has been successful," said Houben, adding prostitutes on the "A" stroll are more cautious in dealing with prospective clients for fear of getting arrested by undercover police officers.
He said when officers approach prostitutes with the availability of a room, it makes them more believable as potential clients for the girls.
"This is an unconventional weapon we're using, going for girls," said Det. Joe Malicdem. "It's a new twist we've incorporated. They're (prostitutes) smarter -- way smarter. They are so 'heat' conscious.
"They've learned to be more cautious."
Prior to the crackdown on Wednesday and Thursday nights, so far this year police have charged 115 prostitutes and 64 of their customers. Last year, police charged 186 prostitutes and 82 customers. And the year before, they charged 139 prostitutes and 150 customers.
At press time Thursday, the number of charges from the sting was not available.
Shirley-anne Reuben, who helped clean up the Inglewood area about 10 years ago, said police enforcement is a big component of solving the problem in any neighbourhood.
She said gaining support from businesses in the areas where prostitution takes place is a key piece of the puzzle. But she also said it's important to stop businesses from inadvertently supporting the industry.
"Merchants need to be engaged," she said. "You have to lean on some businesses that allow this to happen and take away the things that help feed (prostitution)."
Houben said police conduct sting operations depending on manpower availability and if they are seeing any trends on the street. The last sting operation prior to this week was one in early October and one in the last week of October where more than 20 prostitutes were arrested and charged.
In the coming months, police will concentrate on the downtown Beltline area and the southeast Forest Lawn neighbourhood.
"We're working with the communities to clean things up," said Houben.
A petition asking the city to develop a bylaw to outlaw prostitution in residential neighbourhoods has garnered more than 2,000 signatures.
The petition, being circulated in Forest Lawn, is to be distributed to residents in other Calgary communities as homeowners become fed up with the problem of crack-addicted hookers on their streets.
