Maryland City is a city located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It has a population of approximately 19,000 residents and is located in a cluster of towns along Route 295. Prostitution activity has been well-documented in the city, surrounding communities, and in other areas of the county, especially Laurel and Jessup. This activity, and the problems and ancillary crimes it generates result 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. In an effort to reduce the size and scope of the local commercial sex market, the Anne Arundel County Police Department has conducted periodic street-level stings in the community, including those targeting sex buyers. At least three street-level reverse stings have been conducted, in 1992, 2008, and 2011. Following the 2008 operation, the identities of those arrested were publicized in the press. The 2011 sting, which involved undercover officers posing as prostituted persons, was conducted in response to local citizen complaints.