Consumer-level demand provides the revenue stream for all prostitution and sex trafficking, and has therefore been targeted by local law enforcement agencies as a strategy for prevention and response. The Hattiesburg Police Department and the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office have conducted street-level reverse stings using undercover officers in areas known for prostitution, in an effort to reduce consumer-level demand. Arrested sex buyers have had their identities reported in the media and may be required to pay fines and/or serve jail time. For example, in December,2018, nine people were arrested on a total of 12 charges during a Forrest County prostitution sting. Forrest County Sheriff’s Deputies, an MBI agent, MDOC agents, and agents from the 12th District Narcotics Enforcement Team conducted the sting at three local hotels, according to the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office. The arrested persons include included five suspects charged with soliciting prostitution, and their identities were released to news outlets.

In September 2019, a reverse sting was conducted to reduce the demand for prostitution in Forrest County. The Pine Belt Anti-Human-Trafficking Task Force conducted undercover operations in Hattiesburg, and arrested five men for procuring prostitution at a local hotel. Collaborating on the operation were the FBI, Homeland Security, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Forrest County Sheriff’s Office, Hattiesburg Police Department, Purvis Police Department, Waveland Police Department, and Meridian Public-School Campus Police Department.