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.