Springfield is a town of approximately 9,000 residents. Prostitution activity has been well-documented in the city, surrounding communities, and other county areas. This activity and the problems and ancillary crimes it generates result in complaints to law enforcement agencies from residents and businesses.

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. For example, in February 2018, the Springfield Police Department conducted a reverse sting that resulted in the arrest of four men allegedly seeking prostitutes. The sting was initiated when the police department received complaints concerning prostitution around the 3200 block of Business Highway 98. All four men were charged with solicitation of prostitution, and their identities were released.