TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a report from the Long Beach City Prosecutor's Office on the Johns Exposed Program.
DISCUSSION
In 2014, the Long Beach City Prosecutor's Office and Long Beach Police Department partnered to implement the Johns Exposed Program throughout the city. This program reveals individuals who have been convicted of prostitution crimes. Long Beach joined other cities in exposing "Johns" in an effort to educate the public about the link between prostitution and human trafficking, and to remind those considering purchasing sex that Long Beach does not tolerate prostitution.
A report from the City Prosecutor's Office is being requested to educate the City Council and public on the program, its benefits, and any successes thus far. Human trafficking of victims is not easy for law enforcement to detect. The industry exists because of its high demand. As long as there is a steady stream of customers, there will be a market for human trafficking of women and girls. The Johns Exposed Program aims to deter these crimes.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund for this report.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
REX RICHARDSON
COUNCILMEMBER, NINTH DISTRICT
LENA GONZALEZ
COUNCILWOMAN, FIRST DISTRICT
SUJA LOWENTHAL
VICE MAYOR, SECOND DISTRICT
DEE ANDREWS
COUNCILMAN, SIXTH DISTRICT