Woonsocket, RI
Categories:
Tactics Used |
|
---|---|
Reverse stings | ✓ |
Shaming | ✓ |
Auto seizure | ✓ |
Community service | ✓ |
Public education | ✓ |
Neighborhood action | ✓ |
SOAP orders | ✓ |
John school | ✓ |
Letters | ✓ |
Cameras | ✓ |
Web stings | ✓ |
License suspension | ✓ |
Woonsocket is a city of approximately 42,000 residents, located along the Massachusetts border in northern Rhode Island. Prostitution has been identified by local residents as a chronic problem in certain areas of the city. To address the issue, the Woonsocket Police Department employs several tactics that target underlying demand for commercial sex. Officers have conducted street-level reverse stings since 1977, at times netting 10 or more men in a single operation. As of early 2000, the WPD may use surveillance cameras to deter offenders and to gather evidence. Once arrested, johns may have their names and other identifying information released to the public.
Key Partners
- Woonsocket Police Department
Key Sources
National Assessment survey
Reverse Stings:
- “Four Men Charged in Prostitution Sting”, Providence Journal, September 26 2000.
- “Mass. School Board Chairman Steps Down Over Arrest Publicity”, Providence Journal, August 8 2003.
- “Police See Drop in Prostitution”, New England Sun Journal, August 28 2004.
- “Prostitution Stakeout Snares T-Bone Seller”, Providence Journal, April 30 2005.
- “Six Men Charged with Soliciting”, Providence Journal, May 24 2005.
- “T-Bone John Suspect Back for Seconds”, Providence Journal, June 14 2005.
- “Prostitution Sting Nets Two”, Providence Journal, September 12 2005.
- “Woonsocket Police Arrest 16 in Prostitution Crackdown”, Woonsocket Call, August 1 2007.
- “Five Men Arrested in Woonsocket ‘John’ Sting”, Woonsocket Call, August 1 2008.
- http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20161020/six-arrested-in-woonsocket-prostitution-sting (2016)
Background on Prostitution in the Area:
- https://www.facebook.com/woonsocketpatch/posts/a-prostitution-arrest-march-7/460727807328997/ (2013)
- http://www.abc6.com/story/25872541/police-arrest-13-in-prostitution-sting (2014)
- https://turnto10.com/news/local/21-charged-in-sex-sting (2016)
- http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20161020/six-arrested-in-woonsocket-prostitution-sting (2016)
- https://www.pressreader.com/usa/woonsocket-call/20170625/281487866356022 (2017)
State | Rhode Island |
Type | City |
Population | 43590 |
Location |
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