2008 Woodie Awards
Prostitution plagues Anderson
Police intervention falls short of curbing problem.
By: Melissa Whitson
Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: News
Putting prostitutes and their constituents in jail is only a temporary solution, Anderson authorities say.
In a preventive effort, police have begun undercover missions to learn which parts of the city are "high traffic" areas for prostitutes and their solicitors.
Trained officers record conversations with those suspected to be involved with the crime and are educated to use terminology commonly used by the women and men.
While sex is the main component of prostitution, drugs and disease are also major consequences associated with the crime.
In fact, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control in Anderson County attributed a 2004 outbreak of syphilis to prostitute activity.
Once prostitution infiltrates a city, experts say felonies like theft, vandalism, domestic violence and child neglect increase, and locals are put at risk.
Eliminating prostitution and the issues surrounding the crime is not a task that can be achieved overnight.
Yet Anderson officials say they are determined to continue intervention efforts that will promote a safer environment for the city's residents.
In a preventive effort, police have begun undercover missions to learn which parts of the city are "high traffic" areas for prostitutes and their solicitors.
Trained officers record conversations with those suspected to be involved with the crime and are educated to use terminology commonly used by the women and men.
While sex is the main component of prostitution, drugs and disease are also major consequences associated with the crime.
In fact, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control in Anderson County attributed a 2004 outbreak of syphilis to prostitute activity.
Once prostitution infiltrates a city, experts say felonies like theft, vandalism, domestic violence and child neglect increase, and locals are put at risk.
Eliminating prostitution and the issues surrounding the crime is not a task that can be achieved overnight.
Yet Anderson officials say they are determined to continue intervention efforts that will promote a safer environment for the city's residents.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
PDaddy
posted 9/09/08 @ 1:52 PM EST
The APD should do what other communities have done. They setup sting operations with undercover cops posing as streetwalkers; catch the johns that pay for the service & throw them in jail as well. (Continued…)
RB
posted 9/16/08 @ 8:22 AM EST
This is a joke, I grew up in Anderson and there is no problem. It exists, but it is not like there are hookers walking all over town.
Natural Cures
posted 9/16/08 @ 8:46 AM EST
In Nevada prostitution is legal and they do not have problems with all those felonies that go along with it. So the federal government has nothing against prostitution. (Continued…)
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