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in officers seattle trying to crack down on Prostitution In the city – with strongly worded letters.
“John Letters” Will be distributed to registered owners of vehicles spotted by law enforcement sex worker On Aurora Avenue North, an area of the city known as the Hub For “a high amount of sexual exploitation activity”.
The letters will include the vehicle name, make and model, and license, as well as the date, time, and location of the suspected illegal exploitation. Photographs of the alleged activity are also included.
“Sexual exploitation is not a victimless crime. The letter from the Seattle Police Department Human Trafficking Division states that women and girls (and sometimes boys, men and transgender individuals) involved in the sex trade on Aurora Avenue North are almost always victims of criminal trafficking.
“They are usually controlled by pimps and are not free to leave. Engaging in sexual exploitation supports this abuse.”
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These letters are not criminal charges in themselves and do not carry any penalties. These are intended to “warn” owners of vehicles that they have been observed.
The letter further states, “SPD is not accusing you of a crime and no criminal charges will be filed based on this incident.” “If you or someone you know needs help stopping sexual exploitative activity, there are nonprofit organizations that may be able to assist.”
Prostitution and patronizing a sex worker are generally considered misdemeanors in Washington state and carry a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Any transaction that involves buying or selling sexual acts is considered prostitution in the state, according to the Seattle-based Law Firm Lewis LawAny person can be charged with prostitution if he or she offers to engage in sexual acts in exchange for a fee.
Despite misdemeanors, local prosecutors are considered very aggressive about prosecuting “johns” or people who patronize sex workers, and less so about people suspected of prostitution.
The firm says that if a person is driving a vehicle at the time of their arrest for patronizing a prostitute, police can impound the vehicle.
“Essentially, this is an education and awareness campaign,” said Natalie Walton-Anderson, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s public safety chief.
“The goal here, realistically, is to stop and disrupt the existing demand… We have to have the approach to stop and send a message that we will not tolerate people who come here to prey on people and buy sex. It’s a crime.”
Last month Harrell’s office announced $1.7 million in new awards to expand services for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, including safety planning, access to medical and mental health care, and increasing the availability of safe housing and shelter options.
The award is part of the city’s $7.5 million investment in survivor services through 2025, representing an 83 percent increase in annual funding since 2022.
“Seattle is committed to being a city where every person can live with safety, dignity, and hope for the future. Survivors of commercial sexual exploitation deserve support that honors their experiences and helps them build their path to healing and stability,” Harrell said in a statement.
“By making these services stronger and more accessible, we are sending a clear message: In Seattle, we stand with survivors, and we will continue to build a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”