Harlan is a town of roughly 1,700 residents that is located in southeast Kentucky and serves as the government seat of Harlan County. Prostitution activity has been well-documented within the community, and the problems and ancillary crimes it generates results in complaints to law enforcement agencies from residents and businesses. Among the more serious crimes associated with the local commercial sex market is sex trafficking.

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. Demand reduction tactics used in the town include reverse stings, the disclosure of sex buyer identities, and SOAP orders. Harlan police have regularly conducted street level reverse stings to capture sex buyers soliciting prostitution. Those arrested have had their names, photos, and other details reported in the media.