Surveillance cameras and other video technology can be used to discourage sex buyers or to provide evidence against them. Openly used cameras serve as a deterrent, and those used covertly help to gather evidence for police and prosecutors.  In some instances, members of communities have used video cameras and have posted footage on websites, or forwarded the evidence to police.  Cameras have been used in these ways in more than 135 U.S. cities and counties.

• Locate cities and counties that have used this tactic.

To learn more about this intervention, access the resources provided below.

Overview of the Use of Cameras to Combat Demand for Commercial Sex in the U.S.:

• Cameras Overview from National Assessment  (PDF, 34 KB)

Reports on Use of Cameras to Combat Demand for Commercial Sex:

• Buffalo, NY:
  • Benson and Matthews (2000); “Workable Solutions to Prostitution”; Buffalo Prostitution Task Force (1999)
• Gordon Heights, NY:
  • http://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/21/us/town-puts-prostitutes-on-videotape.html
• Jupiter, FL:
  • https://www.wptv.com/how-jupiter-detectives-gathered-evidence-in-prostitution-sting (2019)
• Sanford, FL:
  • http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/florida-police-use-license-plate-cameras-to-curtail-prostitution/
• Tacoma, WA:
  • Tacoma News Tribune, September 28, 2007.  Crackdown on Pacific Avenue: Extra patrols, community activism make a dent in prostitution.
  • Tacoma News Tribune, November 21, 2007.  Neighbors plan crime control.
• Vallejo, CA:
  • Success Fighting Prostitution Prompts Vallejo To Deploy More Cameras

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