---
title: "SARA Works the Streets: Street Level Prostitution Problem Solving Initiative"
type: "pdf"
year: "2015"
canonical: "/projects/538"
---

# SARA works the streets 

# Table of Contents

- [SARA works the streets](#sara-works-the-streets)
  - [Street Level Prostitution Problem Solving Initiative](#street-level-prostitution-problem-solving-initiative)
  - [Summary](#summary)
  - [Scanning](#scanning)
  - [Analysis](#analysis)
  - [Response](#response)
  - [Assessment](#assessment)
- [Description](#description)
  - [Scanning and Analysis:](#scanning-and-analysis)
  - [The Prostitute](#the-prostitute)
- [The John](#the-john)
  - [The Location](#the-location)
- [Responses:](#responses)
  - [The Prostitutes:](#the-prostitutes)
  - [Response 1:](#response-1)
  - [Response 2:](#response-2)
- [Response 3:](#response-3)
  - [Response 4:](#response-4)
  - [Response 5:](#response-5)
  - [The John:](#the-john)
  - [Response 1:](#response-1)
- [Response 2:](#response-2)
  - [Response 3:](#response-3)
- [Response 5:](#response-5)
  - [Response 6:](#response-6)
  - [The Location:](#the-location)
  - [Response 1:](#response-1)
- [Response 2:](#response-2)
  - [Response 3:](#response-3)
- [Response 4:](#response-4)
  - [Response 5:](#response-5)
  - [Response 6:](#response-6)
- [Assessment:](#assessment)
  - [The Prostitute:](#the-prostitute)
- [The John:](#the-john)
- [The Location:](#the-location)
- [Continuing Efforts:](#continuing-efforts)
- [Agency and Officer Information](#agency-and-officer-information)
  - [Key Project Team Members:](#key-project-team-members)
- [Project Contact Person:](#project-contact-person)
  - [Appendixes: Charts, Graphs and Inserts:](#appendixes-charts-graphs-and-inserts)
- [Chart 1](#chart-1)
- [Prostitute Residing Arrest](#prostitute-residing-arrest)
- [Top Prostitution CFS Locations, F. Hwy](#top-prostitution-cfs-locations-f-hwy)
  - [12/1/2012-11/30/2013 (In percent, N = 289)](#1212012-11302013-in-percent-n-289)
- [Hollywood Police Department - Federal Highway Project, Community Questionnaire](#hollywood-police-department-federal-highway-project-community-questionnaire)
- [HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT](#hollywood-police-department)
  - [PROSTITUTE QUESTIONNAIRE](#prostitute-questionnaire)
  - [NAME:  DOB:  SSN / DL/ID \#:  LOCATION:](#name-dob-ssn-dlid-location)

## Street Level Prostitution Problem Solving Initiative

## Summary

## Scanning

After years of fighting a systemic street level prostitution problem along the City of Hollywood's main business corridor, the Hollywood Police Department began to take another look at the world's oldest profession. Historically, the response strategy was a "zero tolerance" approach, heavy on arrest and penalty but without much thought as to the causation and contributing factors. This approach caused a drain of resources (Appendix 1), caused alienation and mistrust of the Police by an already victimized class and had at best, a short term impact on the problem. Despite officers' efforts, the community continued to view the problem of prostitution as significant (Appendix 2).

In the summer of 2014, Chief Sanchez asked if there was another way to look at the problem of street level prostitution along the Federal Highway Corridor. Encouraged to look and think "outside the box", we began to dissect the problem, its causes and possible solutions.

## Analysis

Over a six month span, the Hollywood Police Department began to scan and analyze the problem. Officers met with residents, business leaders, community activists, arrested and/or known prostitutes, Street Crimes Detectives, arrested Johns, social service providers and facilitators and anyone who could provide incite or an opinion. We then looked at the issues in terms of the Crime Triangle; in this case, the Prostitute, the John and the Location.

## Response

Over an additional three months, the Department began to create and implement a response strategy based upon these three targeted dimensions. Response strategies were predicated on the fact that impacting more than one "leg" or dimension should cause an impact on other dimensions and that targeting only one side of the crime triangle alone would not have a lasting impact on the issue. Our responses are centered around deterrence and assistance.

## Assessment

What follows is an accounting of what we learned, where we were successful and where we met opposition or roadblocks.

# Description 

The City of Hollywood covers approximately 28 square miles and has about 146,526 residents (2013 census). Vacationers and "snowbirds" (retired individuals and Canadian tourists who follow the seasonal weather patterns, traveling south for the winter) increase this number by approximately 500,000 (A November 13, 2011| Sun Sentinel article by Tonya Alanez, reported 500,000 snowbirds visited Broward County). In a typical year, the Police Department averages 200,000 calls for service ( 171,188 in 2014). Approximately 20,000 of these calls come from the Federal Highway Corridor (Appendix 3). This area is a transient, high traffic (Appendix 4), business and mixed use corridor with inexpensive hotels/motels and close access to low rent apartments. There are multiple convenience store/gas stations, 24 hour coin laundries, 20 bus benches and, up until May 2015, there was a two story 220 client Homeless shelter. All of these factors blended to create a patchwork of people, involved in various activities (both legal and illegal) and created the urban camouflage in which street level prostitution can easily hide in plain sight.

## Scanning and Analysis:

Relying on the crime triangle the problem-solving team analyzed each dimension (Prostitutes, Johns, and Location) to better understand the forces which were contributing to the chronic prostitution problem along the Federal Highway corridor. The analysis relied on field observations, interviews, and empirical examination of crime incidents and calls for service data.

## The Prostitute

Most street level prostitutes were identified as having a drug addiction which they support through prostitution. Most prostitutes worked the area of the Federal Highway Corridor. As previously described, this area is a transient, high traffic, business and mixed use corridor. The inexpensive hotels/motels and low rent apartments allow prostitutes easy access to their drug connections, who also use the area for the same reasons as stated. (Data collected during postarrest interview surveys, during "field contacts" with known prostitutes, and supported by additional drug or drug paraphernalia charges levied at the time of a prostitution arrest. See Map and Charts)

We reviewed arrest records for 221 prostitutes. Most had arrests histories with various types of crimes from petty theft to probation violations and narcotics possession. Of these, 23 had at least one prior prostitution conviction. Twelve (12) were identified as convicted repeat prostitution offenders (two or more convictions) and 22 were identified as Felony offenders (three or more convictions). This represents 57 of the 221 arrestees (approximately 25\%) who had prior

convictions for prostitution. Again, many more had prior arrests but had not yet been sentenced or had some other disposition of their charges. All of these factors reinforced our belief that arrest alone was not a sufficient deterrent.

Most prostitutes were self-identified as city residents and maintained or gave a local address. (Appendix Map and Chart 3)

A breakdown of the Spatio-Temporal Patterns was prepared to aid in developing response strategies.

# The John 

During the scanning and analysis phase, we discovered that of the 30 Johns arrested in 2013, the average mean age was 41 . The average median distance they had traveled to the Federal Highway Corridor to engage a prostitute was 6.4 miles. (Chart 5)

We also learned the peak times for calls for service in reference to prostitution were from 6 to 8 AM, noon, and 5 to 8 PM. This suggests participation by a commuting population (to/from work) and occurring during the time of a normal lunch break. When we compare this to the fact we found no repeat offenders (Johns), this suggests these are "crimes of opportunity". Johns are of working age and appear to be commuting to and from work, or engaging in sex acts during a lunch break. (Chart 6)

As seen in Chart 7, the "peak season" from December to February, appears to coincide with the arrival and departure of the "snowbirds".

All of these factors enforced our belief that the John's were the group with the "most to lose" from a prostitution arrest and most susceptible to "shame based" deterrents.

## The Location

Conventional thinking told us the local hotels/motels contributed to the problem by acting as brothels or locations to engage the services of a prostitute. After studying the Spatio-Temporal patterns, post-arrest interview surveys, during "field contacts" with known prostitutes and contact with local hotel/motel operators, it was discovered area prostitutes actually conducted their "business" in locations of convenience and not at the local hotels/motels as predicted. These areas included the John's vehicle or an abandoned unmonitored location such as a foreclosed or abandoned home. Again, the prostitutes seemed to conduct "business" close to the area where they were picked up. The extent to which the hotels/motels contributed to the problem was that of a place for the prostitutes to live cheaply on a transient/temporary basis. Further, a street level

prostitute having a "local" address helped to provide an air of "legitimacy" to the prostitutes presence when stopped and questioned by Police.

This shift in thinking, based on factual data, helped to change the relationship between the police and the hotel/motel operators. Instead of looking at these locations as "offender territory" they were seen as potential partners.

Once this occurred, we were able to narrow in on and target locations where the prostitutes were loitering to solicit and where the offense was occurring.

Looking at data collected on areas of high calls for service (Chart 8 and 9), we decided where to place undercover officers during sting operations. These locations were also chosen for placement of our message boards.

# Responses: 

Based upon all the above factors, the following Responses were suggested.

## The Prostitutes:

## Response 1:

- During sting operation arrest processing, have social service provisioning (i.e. employment, faith based organizations, housing assistance representatives, drug treatment specialists) present to provide information and assistance.

Coordinated by the Street Crimes Unit Supervisor, Social Service provisioning was facilitated through the Department's Homeless Coordinator. From August 2014 to March 2015, 103 prostitution arrests were made. All 103 arrestees were made aware of and offered services. To date, no arrestee has agreed to seek assistance.

## Response 2:

- Create a quick reference offender database to identify and track repeat offenders and those who had been offered services.

The Neighborhood Team Leaders (NTL's) created the database (Appendix Chart 4) and updated it regularly. There are currently 221 individuals identified and listed. This database has been used several times since its inception by Street Crimes Detectives during sting operations and during daily street encounters and arrests. The Detectives provide information and feedback to the NTL's to ensure the database contains the most updated and accurate information available.

# Response 3: 

- Discretionary use of Notice to Appear citations in lieu of physical arrest.

Contingent upon the arrestee's willingness to talk to and accept assistance from the various agencies and service providers identified above. If there is documented follow through with the suggestions or services, this information would be communicated to the State Attorney and Judge at the time of trial and sentencing. The Street Crimes Lieutenant has agreed to spearhead this initiative should an arrestee wish to seek the alternate sentencing.

## Response 4:

- Active, ongoing monitoring and provisioning of services with incentives to stay off the street.

Determined to be coordinated through the Homeless Coordinator's office. To date, of the 103 subjects arrested, no one has accepted offered services. Offering (and refusal) of services is recorded on the quick reference offender database.

## Response 5:

- Establish geographic restraining orders (mapping).

Based on Spatio-Temporal patterns, the idea of creating "no-go" locations for known, documented prostitutes was suggested. This needs support from the Chief Judge in Broward County, the State Attorney's Office and the Public Defender's Office. Perhaps as we have success in other areas of this program, willingness to consider this option will improve.

## The John:

## Response 1:

- Use fear of arrest to deter the John.

Message boards were placed in high visibility, high traffic locations along Federal Highway. These boards were active and visible during peak traffic transit times. (As shown in Chart 6, these times also coincided with the peak solicitation times.) These boards displayed messages such as,
"This area under surveillance by the Hollywood Police Department"
"This area under surveillance by the Hollywood Police Department CCTV/Video"
"Hollywood Police marked and unmarked in the area ...license plates are being recorded"

From May 2014 to November 2014 the message boards were deployed at the following locations,

May 8 - South Federal and Van Buren Street
May 15 - 1300 Hollywood Boulevard
May 16 - South Federal Highway and Van Buren Street
July 17 - South Federal Highway and Fletcher Street
July 17 - Hollywood Boulevard and 8th Avenue
August 27 - Hollywood Boulevard and 8th Avenue
August 27 - South Federal Highway and Fletcher Street
October 25 - 1300 Block of Hollywood Boulevard
November 13 - South Federal Highway and Van Buren Street
November 13 - 1300 Hollywood Boulevard
CCTV and License plate Readers (LPR's) were also conspicuously deployed on the north and south ends of the Federal Highway Corridor.

# Response 2: 

- Establish a mandatory 1st time arrest educational program. (Requires establishing a municipal ordinance.)

This should be coordinated through the Courts and the Legal Advisor's Office to ensure no conflicts are created with current sentencing guidelines. The Department currently has no Legal Advisor.

## Response 3:

- Targeted "Keep it Zipped" deterrent messaging through sex online sites such as Craigslist and Backpage.

The Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics unit, along with Information Technologies, the Crime Intelligence Center staff (Appendix 5) and the Media and Community Affairs Unit were solicited to create, update and monitor where applicable (ex, juvenile sex sites). The message and venue were intended to be adapted to keep up with current trends in social media. The major obstacle with this initiative was costs associated with keeping a "Trojan horse" add up and trending on the popular pay for use sites. (Appendix Insert 1)

Response 4:

- Systematic notification of families via formal letter.

The Legal Advisor's Office was identified to create a standardized form. Upon arrest of a subject for the Procurement for Sex/Prostitution, the arresting Officer or Detective would complete a standard letter and submit it to the Legal Advisor for review and mailing.

An additional "informational" letter advising "your vehicle was observed in an area ..." should be created. The mailer should describe risks associated with soliciting a prostitute and/or becoming a crime victim by loitering in an area frequented by prostitutes. This letter would be used in cases where an Officer (or Detective) have conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle that has picked up (or attempted to pick up) a known prostitute. The letter will be sent to the address of the vehicle's registered owner.

# Response 5: 

- It is recommended the practice of impounding a Johns' vehicles for civil fines be reinstated. This practice was suspended while being challenged in the courts. The issue was settled and found to be lawful.


## Response 6:

- Posting arrestees on a sex offender website.

The information can be updated by the Crime Intelligence Center staff, reviewed by the Legal Advisor and posted on the City website, cable access channel and streamed on all City informational monitors.

The information in the form of a printed flyer can be disseminated by the NTL's at monthly Civic Association meetings and distributed to the various Crime Watch groups by the Community and Media Relations Unit.

The last four suggested responses are contingent on the staffing of the Legal Advisor's Office and are currently on standby.

## The Location:

## Response 1:

- Conduct workshops with Federal Highway motel/hotel owners/managers to promote best practices.

Held March 2015. Twelve (12) of the twenty one (21) local hotel/motels were represented. The response was significant as it represented an obvious recognition by these facilities of the area problems, their contribution to the problems and/or their willingness to engage in the eventual solution.

# Response 2: 

- Establish a "report card" system to identify problem motels and target problem locations with added assistance and "encouragement."

Implemented by the Neighborhood Team Leaders and unveiled at the first Hotel/Motel Workshop. Each hotel/motel was evaluated and issued a letter "grade" (A thru F). Grades were based upon such issues as calls for service, self-initiated activity by proactive Police Officers, code issues and complaints, reports from the Fire Inspector and various other Business and Licensing regulatory authorities.

This information is updated and maintained on the Department's computer drive. It is available for review by various units and departments when attempting to determine where to focus resources and when evaluating the impact of resource allocation.

The report card had the unintended benefit of providing a shame-based deterrence to bad practice. Before the creation of the reporting system, the operators never cared (or had no incentive to care) if prostitutes were arrested in their premises. Now that they are being evaluated, there has been a shift in their thinking. Operators have stated they want an "A" grade from the Police department for promotional and advertising purposes and are working to earn or maintain favorable ratings.

There has also been internal peer pressure. During the hotel/motel workshop, excitement from the operators manifested itself in a spontaneous, self-initiated effort to create a Federal Highway Hotel Motel Association. This professional business organization has the goals of improving the image of the Federal Highway hotels/motels, sharing information on trouble/evicted guests (including those engaged in or arrested for prostitution), working with the Police to reduce calls for service by self-regulation, introduction of the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and other proactive practices.

## Response 3:

- Secure alleyways and parking lots via access control, electronic surveillance and improved lighting when applicable.

This activity is coordinated through the Crime Prevention Unit. Their personnel have training in CPTED and are aware of the most current trends and issues related to site hardening. Hotel/motel owners received training on the benefits and value of securing, controlling and improving their property during the Hotel/Motel Workshop. Locations that enact recommendations of the Crime Prevention Unit are forwarded to the responsible NTL and the information is added to the "report card".

To improve area lighting, the NTL's identified seven (7) locations where lighting could be added or improved. This included identifying areas where trees or foliage has obstructed the lighting. This information was submitted to Florida Power and Light (FPL) and the City's Public Works.

# Response 4: 

- Establish an ordinance against hotel/motel hourly rentals.

The previous Legal Advisor advised the City is preempted from adopting regulations which prohibit hotels/motels from hourly rentals at their establishments per FSS 509.242(1).

## Response 5:

- Target/work with owners of vacant houses serving as drug/prostitution dens (proximal, accessible, and concealable).

The Department keeps a list of current vacant homes on the City's employee web-based homepage. Patrol shifts can access and assess this information when determining their patrol activities. Currently, the NTL Officers make random checks of identified vacant properties within their areas. If evidence of prostitution activity is discovered, the information is sent to SCU Detectives and Zone Units. The NTL's also contact the area Code Officer, the land owner and/or the responsible party to ensure the property is secured and environmental issues (unchecked landscape growth, lighting, broken or knocked down fencing, etc.) that contributed to the property being used are corrected.

The NTL's identified twenty one (21) abandoned homes within and directly adjacent to the targeted area. These homes were boarded up by the City and are now inaccessible to the street prostitutes.

## Response 6:

- Target drug houses/apartments/motels for Civil Abatement.

Active addresses/locations for Civil Abatement should be maintained by the Legal Advisors Office. Currently, the Department does not have a Legal Advisor. This location information should be accessible to Officers and Detectives so relevant arrest information can be properly updated. Lieutenant Zorsky of the Neighborhood Services Unit created an easy to follow go-by for Officers and Detectives. This will allow individual Officers or Detectives to have an understanding of the required elements for nuisance abatement and to understand the process. They will be able to easily start the abatement process when appropriate.

The City and Department have had success using Nuisance Abatement, effectively shutting down a location supplying much of the street level narcotics to area prostitutes. Detectives developed multiple in-depth cases against five habitual offenders at a rental home at 2114

Plunkett Street. Acting on the strength of the cases, the City and the Police began Nuisance Abatement proceedings to either force compliance of the property owner, or seize the property. The owner has cooperated with Police and drug arrests and Police service calls have all but ceased.

# Assessment: 

An implementation plan checklist was created. The Response suggestions were tracked through all phases of the project bi-monthly and monthly. Implemented responses were continuously assessed for progress and result.

## The Prostitute:

Undercover sting operations were developed using the information learned during the assessment phase. The use of undercover officers acting as both Johns and prostitutes followed the daily and hourly statistical trends. (Chart 10)

Two operations involving undercover Johns and prostitutes were conducted since March 2015. The March operation resulted in the arrest of 5 prostitutes and 5 Johns. The April operation resulted in the arrest of 5 prostitutes and 4 Johns.

Arrest numbers alone do not accurately reflect success or failure in this area. The implementation of the Federal Highway Prostitution Reduction Project continues to be in progress. As formulated response strategies are rolled out in coming months, the following impact indicators will be used to assess the project results. When indicators suggest that a meaningful change in prostitution associated behavior has occurred in the target area a more in-depth assessment will be conducted. To monitor project progress, calls for service related to prostitution will be monitored both in tabular and graphic format. The extent of repeat arrests will also be monitored going forward to determine whether or not those who have been arrested and offered services ultimately desist from offending in the target area. The idea here is that if the project is having a meaningful impact the extent of repeat arrests should decrease over time.

From June to December 2013, compared to June to December 2014 (Chart 11), there appears to be an increase in the number of prostitution related calls for service year-over-year during these time periods (Roughly $19 \%$ ). This may not mean that matters are getting worse. Rather, it is likely that increased outreach to community members by police under the project and due to the recent shift to a more community-based policing style by the department, has resulted in greater participation by community members in informing the police of criminal activity. Referred to as

a "fishbowl" or "magnification" effect this is a common pattern observed in many problemsolving projects. Following increases in calls for service there should be general reductions as problem responses begin to take effect.

When looking at a time series of prostitution related calls for service along the Federal Highway Corridor from June 2013 to March 2015 (Chart 12), we see calls for service have remained somewhat constant with seasonal upward and downward shifts. While this does not suggest that there's been a change in the prostitution related behavior there is a slight downward trend, indicated by the negative slope $(\mathrm{Y}=-0.048 \mathrm{X})$. Looking at the first three months of 2014 compared to the first three months of 2015, the level of calls for service appears to be somewhat consistent with little change year-over-year. The revealing months will be over the summer to determine whether the same volume of calls related to prostitution will occur from May through August, which were the most active months of 2014.

The extent of repeat arrests along the Federal Highway Corridor for prostitution related offenses from 2013 to 2014 is represented in Chart 13. Among the prostitutes, roughly twelve or $12 \%$ of those arrested in 2014 had also been arrested in the same area in 2013. Among those prostitutes arrested in 2014 seven or $7 \%$ were arrested twice within that same year. An additional six or 6 $\%$ were arrested three or more times in 2014 alone. Interestingly, there were no repeat arrests for John's among those apprehended in 2014. As project responses take hold during the coming months, it could be expected that proportions of repeat offender arrests should decrease.

Knowing many prostitutes are drug addicted, we wanted to track emergency medical calls for drug related overdoses along the Federal Highway Corridor. By tracking this information we could also track the prostitute population. However, after contacting the Hollywood Fire Department it was learned that this data is not recorded and as such is not available for tracking.

As previously stated, arrest alone does not appear to be a deterrent. This is an area which may take the most time to see results. These (mostly) women are drug addicted and have been repeatedly devalued, marginalized and victimized. Consistent efforts to gain their trust and participation will be required.

# The John: 

Of the three legs of the crime triangle, the John seem to be the one with the "most to lose" and therefore be the leg where the most effort (and impact) should be made. Whether due to Constitutional or Statutory limitations, the lack of political will to implement these recommendations or the costs associated with these ideas, this area turned out to be the most restrictive area in which we could work and implement meaningful strategies.

There continues to be no repeat offender/arrests for John's within the Federal Highway Corridor. It may be that the arrest and sanction was sufficient to deter Johns from engaging in prostitution, or at the very least from returning to the corridor to solicit sexual activity.

When evaluating the peak times for service calls (Chart 6 and 10) we saw evidence to support that the act may be a "crime of opportunity" as potential John's travel through the area to and from work. The idea behind many of the response suggestions was to interdict these same offenders, through social media, conspicuous signage and messaging, before they commit the violation.

As the data (the absence of repeat offenders) demonstrates, after police contact the John's behavior does change. It can be concluded that undocumented contact, in the form of passive deterrents, should also elicit some level of behavioral changes.

There is no easy way to calculate the deterrent effect of the strategies that were employed. Over the next six months to a year, this number may become measurable. One data point may be represented by the failure to make arrests of Johns during sting operations.

# The Location: 

This is an area where we have had remarkable success while doing the least amount of work. By partnering with reputable hotel/motel operators, teaching them strategies and techniques to detect and deter crime and putting the responsibility for "policing" their own establishments in their hands, issues that would have festered are now being immediately dealt with.

As the trust between the Department and operators grows, this partnership should continue to flourish. To that end, The NTL's make weekly contact with the various operators and their staff. We have seen an increase of calls for service from some of the establishments who never called before. As we saw during prostitute assessment, this may be explained through the "fishbowl" or "magnification" effect. As hotel/motel operators continue to act proactively, calls for service can be expected to increase. This can be interpreted to mean the program is working as operators realize early intervention is key.

The Holiday Motel is a success example of an operator who embraced a proactive approach along with prescreening techniques learned in the Hotel/Motel Workshop. In the two and a half months before the workshop, there were 10 calls for service, specifically from the management at the motel. This location has had the reputation of being a problem/recurrent call location (Appendix 1). In the two and a half months after the workshop, the management made 1 call for service. This represents a $90 \%$ reduction in calls for service. As word spreads on the streets and prostitutes, Johns and dealers learn they are no longer welcome at area establishments; they will

seek out other less restrictive locations. In this case, greater participation by the operators will result in fewer calls for service.

The Pareto principle (known as the 80-20 rule) states, for many events, roughly $80 \%$ of the effects come from $20 \%$ of the causes. This principle understates the need for and importance of hotel/motel participation in the problem solving. As it stands, and in line with the principle, 20\% of the hotel/motel operators are not involved or compliant and require $80 \%$ of Police response and resources when compared to the other $80 \%$ of operators. As compliant operators continue to thrive, as peer pressure through a professional association comes to bear and as Police are able to focus on these $20 \%$ problem locations, we hope ultimately to get by-in and compliance from these undesirable operators.

Thanks to the lighting survey conducted by the NTL's, seven (7) darkened areas where prostitutes could quickly conduct their business within a parked vehicle are in the process of being eliminated.

With the board up of 20 vacant properties, calls for service related to prostitution and trespassing have decreased. Regular site visits and inspection of the properties by the NTL's reveals the usual discarded condoms, condom wrappers and discarded clothes has decreased. On examining two random locations, 2021 Pierce Street and 1719 Roosevelt Street we see just between these two locations, after board-up, there was a $93 \%$ decrease in calls for service. (Chart 14)

As stated in the beginning of this report, the overall impression of the Federal Highway Corridor was not favorable. Community members had the feeling the area was ripe with prostitutes, vagrants and of course, crime. In an effort to track progress of the Prostitution Reduction Project and gauge the impact of the response strategies, the NTL's disseminated a survey to community members along the corridor (Sample in appendix). The goal was to assess their perception of changes in activities related to prostitution over the last 18 months. While the survey may not be overly representative, it could produce some other indicators of project performance.

There were a total of 305 respondents who completed the survey. The results of the survey revealed that there has been a positive impact on the perception from the community members as well as the motel owners/operators in relation to their view of crime and prostitution along the Federal Highway Corridor. Since the start of the prostitution reduction project, $37 \%$ of the respondents stated that crime and prostitution has decreased, $50 \%$ stated that they have seen no change, and $13 \%$ stated crime and prostitution has become worse. Overall, this is a positive result, as this area has been plagued with crime and disorder for many years.

# Continuing Efforts: 

We will continue our operations along the Federal Highway Corridor to reduce prostitution as well as the perception of crime. We will initiate the responses that were put on hold once the Legal Advisor researches them. Our results will be reassessed on a quarterly basis and responses

will be adjusted as needed, in order to obtain the most significant results for a permanent reduction of prostitution and crime.

# Agency and Officer Information 

## Key Project Team Members:

Officer Matthew Fregin, Neighborhood Team Leader
Officer Michael Ferriani, Criminal Investigations Division
Sergeant John Switter, Neighborhood Team Leader
Lieutenant Karen Zorsky, Neighborhood Services Unit
Rob T. Guerette, PhD, Florida Atlantic University

# Project Contact Person: 

Chief of Police Tomas Sanchez
Hollywood Police Department
3250 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, FL 33020
$954-967-4300$
tsanchez@hollywoodfl.org

## Appendixes: Charts, Graphs and Inserts:

1. Information based on a cost average for police service. The following chart highlights the three locations of highest calls for service in 2013.

| Hotel/Motel | No. Calls for Service | Annual Cost  (o/ \$72 per call) |
| :--: | :--: | :--: |
| Cosac Hotel | 250 | $\$ 18,000$ |
| Holiday Motel | 184 | $\$ 13,248$ |
| Green Seas Motel | 155 | $\$ 11,160$ |

2. Information presented in a March 31, 2013 article in the Sun Sentinel. Hollywood to tackle crime on Federal Highway - Collections articles.sun-sentinel.com/.../fl-federal-

highway-crime-hollywood-201303... as far back as 1997, prostitution and vagrancy were listed "as the biggest problems along Federal Hwy." Current Commissioners were quoted as saying; Federal Hwy is the perfect place to play "spot the prostitute".
3. Based on Crime Analyst review of all calls for service along Federal Highway and within a one block east ( $17^{\text {th }}$ Avenue) and west ( $19^{\text {th }}$ Avenue) range. Calls for service average 18,000 - 20,000 per year.
4. Based on Traffic Trailer and LPR data, it is estimated approximately 22,000 vehicles travel on Federal Highway in a typical 24 hours. Traffic density studies conducted during a typical work day, Monday to Friday.
5. Crime Intelligence Center. Initiated by Chief Fernandez and Chief Sanchez, the Crime Intelligence Center, working with the Crime Analyst, uses technologies, in the form of CCTV and LPR's to servile areas, tract criminal suspects, locate offenders in real time or through a search of recorded data.

![img-0.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/15-08_hollywood_fl/img-0.jpeg)

Map

| Characteristics of Apprehended Hollywood Prostitutes \& Johns, Citywide $2013(\mathrm{~N}=174)$ |  |
| :--: | :--: |
| Characteristic | Frequency (\%) |
| Sex |  |
| Female | 144 (83) |
| Male | 30 (17) |
| Females (Proxy for Prostitutes) $\mathrm{n}=144$ |  |
| Age [mean (std dev)] | 32 (9) |
| Height (most common range) | 5'3" to 5'7" (68)* |
| Weight [mean (std dev)] | 133 (35)** |
| Race |  |
| White | 114 (79) |
| Black | 30 (21) |
| Distance to Arrest [median (std dev)] $\ddagger$ | $1.6(5.7)$ |
| Males (Proxy for Johns) $\mathrm{n}=30$ |  |
| Age [mean (std dev)] | 41 (14) |
| Height (most common range) | 5'8" to 5'11" (63)* |
| Weight [mean (std dev)] | 161 (76)** |
| Race |  |
| White | 15 (50) |
| Black | 15 (50) |
| Distance to Arrest [median (std dev)] $\ddagger$ | $6.4(5.6)$ |
| *According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) the average height of U.S. females and males is $5^{\prime} 4^{\prime \prime}$ and $5^{\prime \prime} 9^{\prime \prime}$, respectively.  **According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) the average weight of U.S. females and males is 166lbs and 195lbs, respectively.  $\dagger$ Eight cases removed due to inability to accurately geocode (distances $>100 \mathrm{mi}$ ).  $\ddagger$ Two cases removed due to inability to accurately geocode (distances $>100 \mathrm{mi})$. |  |

# Chart 1

|  | Prostitution |  | Drug |
| :--: | :--: | :--: | :--: |
|  | Prior Arrests*  Frequency (percent) | Convictions**  Frequency (percent) | Arrests***  Frequency (percent) |
| Number of |  |  |  |
| 0 | 20 (18) | 77 (57) | 21 (20) |
| 1 | 37 (34) | 23 (17) | 22 (21) |
| 2 | 22 (20) | 12 (9) | 27 (26) |
| $\geq 3$ | 30 (28) | 22 (16) | 33 (33) |
|  |  |  |  |
| *Valid $\mathrm{n}=109 ;{ }^{* *}$ Valid $\mathrm{n}=103 ;{ }^{* * *}$ Valid $\mathrm{n}=134$.  $25 \%$ have 2 or more convictions; $43 \%$ have 1 or more convictions. |  |  |  |

Chart 2

# Prostitute Residing Arrest 

Address Distances Hollywood Citywide 2013...
![img-1.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/15-08_hollywood_fl/img-1.jpeg)

Chart 3 (In Frequency, N=136)

| Last Name | First Name | Comissions | DOB | Age | SEX | BACE | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | Street Rate | Services offered |
| :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- | :-- |
| AGCSTINO | VALERIE R |  | 111/21/1991 | 23 | F | W | 503 | 145 | 10/1/2014 | Y |
| ANDERSON | VICTORIA DAWN |  | 212/11/1986 | 28 | F | W | 600 | 100 | 8/28/2014 | Y |
| ARACRI | VANESSA |  | 07/15/1990 | 24 | F | W | 503 | 200 | 9/26/2014 | Y |
| ASRURY | HEATHER MICHELLE |  | 12/27/1983 | 31 | F | W | 504 | 130 |  |  |
| ATKINS | BRENDA |  | 1/20/1962 | 53 | F | B | 508 | 185 |  |  |
| ATTLEY | GEVONA T |  | 12/25/1975 | 39 | F | B | 506 | 145 |  |  |
| BADER | JESSICA LEE |  | 012/22/1983 | 31 | F | W | 502 | 125 |  |  |
| BAER | ASHLEY |  | 08/29/1989 | 25 | F | W | 501 | 120 | 11/12/2014 | Y |
| BANKS | BRANDY |  | 8/9/1979 | 35 | F | W | 505 | 120 | 9/10/2014 | Y |
| BATISTA | KIMBERLEE |  | 17/5/1977 | 37 | F | W | 508 | 145 | 8/21/2014 | Y |
| BECERRO | CLAUDIA |  | 010/8/1962 | 52 | F | W | 504 | 120 |  |  |
| BEESE | LORI |  | 07/20/1978 | 36 | F | W | 504 | 120 | 10/14/2014 | Y |
| BERNAL | JOANNE |  | 27/9/1984 | 30 | F | W | 501 | 135 | 11/21/2014 | Y |
| BEVERLY | JOSEPH |  | 10/30/1978 | 36 | M | B | 508 | 130 | 1/8/2015 | Y |
| BICKSTON | DIANA |  | 02/27/1954 | 61 | F | W | 504 | 100 | 8/27/2014 | Y |

Chart 4: Ex. Sample of the data base indicating services offered.

Johns Residing-Arrest Journey to Crime Distances, Hollywood Citywide 2013 (N = 30)*

| Distance (in Miles) | Frequency | Percent | Cumulative Percent |
| :--: | :--: | :--: | :--: |
| 0.5 | 2 | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | 3 | 11 | 18 |
| 1.5 | 4 | 14 | 32 |
| 2 | 1 | 4 | 36 |
| 2.5 | 1 | 4 | 40 |
| 3 | 1 | 4 | 44 |
| 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
| 4.5 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
| 5 | 1 | 4 | 48 |
| 5.5 | 1 | 4 | 52 |
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 52 |
| 6.5 | 0 | 0 | 52 |
| 7 | 0 | 0 | 52 |

Data Source: Hollywood Police Department (FMS System.
*Half of Johns ( $50 \%$ ) reside within 6.4 miles of arrest address.

Chart 5

![img-2.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/15-08_hollywood_fl/img-2.jpeg)

**Chart 6**

![img-3.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/15-08_hollywood_fl/img-3.jpeg)

**Chart 7**

![img-4.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/15-08_hollywood_fl/img-4.jpeg)

Mon. Sep. 8
![img-5.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/15-08_hollywood_fl/img-5.jpeg)

Sun. Sep. 7
![img-6.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/15-08_hollywood_fl/img-6.jpeg)

Fri. Sep. 5
***** "Sexy Fire Ready Head Busty Freays"**** SPECIALS - 21 (hollywood INCALLSOUTCALLS all over)
Hey gentlemen im Monica. I love meeting new people and trying spontaneous things. Come relax in an umunforgettable moment with an
![img-7.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/15-08_hollywood_fl/img-7.jpeg)

Insert 1: Example pop-ups for posting on Trojan horse web sites.

![img-8.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/15-08_hollywood_fl/img-8.jpeg)

# Top Prostitution CFS Locations, F. Hwy
## 12/1/2012-11/30/2013 (In percent, N = 289)

- **DEWEY ST/S FEDERAL HWY**
  - 1104 S FEDERAL HWY
  - TAFT ST/N FEDERAL HWY
  - SCOTT ST/N FEDERAL HWY
  - RODMAN ST/S FEDERAL HWY
  - ROOSEVELT ST/N FEDERAL HWY
  - FLUSTON ST/S FEDERAL HWY
  - ARIWUR ST/N FEDERAL HWY
  - MCKINLEY ST/N FEDERAL HWY
  - WILEY ST/S FEDERAL HWY
  - 1600 N FEDERAL HWY

Chart 8

Top Prostitution CFS Locations 12/1/2012 to 11/30/2013 (N = 289)*

|  Address | Frequency | Percent | Cumulative Percent  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  1600 N FEDERAL HWY | 24 | 8.3 | 8.3  |
|  WILEY ST/S FEDERAL HWY | 10 | 3.5 | 11.8  |
|  MCKINLEY ST/N FEDERAL HWY | 9 | 3.1 | 14.9  |
|  ARTHUR ST/N FEDERAL HWY | 7 | 2.4 | 17.3  |
|  FUNSTON ST/S FEDERAL HWY | 7 | 2.4 | 19.7  |
|  ROOSEVELT ST/N FEDERAL HWY | 7 | 2.4 | 22.1  |
|  RODMAN ST/S FEDERAL HWY | 6 | 2.1 | 24.2  |
|  SCOTT ST/N FEDERAL HWY | 6 | 2.1 | 26.3  |
|  TAFT ST/N FEDERAL HWY | 6 | 2.1 | 28.4  |
|  1104 S FEDERAL HWY | 5 | 1.7 | 30.1  |
|  DEWEY ST/S FEDERAL HWY | 5 | 1.7 | 31.8  |
|  JEFFERSON ST/S FEDERAL HWY | 5 | 1.7 | 33.6  |
|  N FEDERAL HWY/ARTHUR ST | 5 | 1.7 | 35.3  |
|  N FEDERAL HWY/ROOSEVELT ST | 5 | 1.7 | 37.0  |
|  S FEDERAL HWY/DEWEY ST | 5 | 1.7 | 38.8  |
|  S FEDERAL HWY/FUNSTON ST | 5 | 1.7 | 40.5  |
|  LEE ST/N FEDERAL HWY | 4 | 1.4 | 41.9  |
|  N FEDERAL HWY/LEE ST | 4 | 1.4 | 43.3  |
|  N FEDERAL HWY/MCKINLEY ST | 4 | 1.4 | 44.7  |
|  PLUNKETT ST/S FEDERAL HWY | 4 | 1.4 | 46.1  |
|  1010 S FEDERAL HWY | 3 | 1.0 | 47.1  |
|  1223 N FEDERAL HWY | 3 | 1.0 | 48.1  |
|  Data Source: Hollywood Police Department CAD System |  |  |   |
|  *n = 127 locations were identified along the Federal Hwy corridor by citizen CFS. |  |  |   |
|  Note: These 22 locations (17% of all identified places) account for roughly half of all prostitution CFS in the corridor |  |  |   |

Chart 9

![img-9.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/15-08_hollywood_fl/img-9.jpeg)

Chart 10: Chart showing calls for service on Federal Hwy on an hourly by day of the week basis.

| Prostitution CFS along Federal Highway Corridor End of Year 2013 to 2014 |  |  |
| :--: | :--: | :--: |
| June to Dec, 2013 | June to Dec, 2014 | Difference  (\% Change) |
| 104 | 124 | $+20(19 \%)$ |

Chart 11
![img-10.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/15-08_hollywood_fl/img-10.jpeg)

Data Source: Hollywood Police Department Crime Intelligence Unit.
Chart 12

| Repeat Arrests of Prostitutes along Fed. Hwy Corridor, 2013 to 2014 |  |  |  |
| :--: | :--: | :--: | :--: |
|  | Prostitution Arrests* |  |  |
|  | 2014 Arrest with prior Arrest in 2013 Frequency (percent) | Two Arrests in 2014 Frequency (percent) | Three or more Arrests in 2014 Frequency (percent) |
| Prostitutes (Females) | $12(12 \%)$ | $7(7 \%)$ | $6(6 \%)$ |
| Johns (Males) | $0(0 \%)$ | $0(0 \%)$ | $0(0 \%)$ |
| * There were 98 prostitution arrests and 41 John arrests along Fed. Hwy in 2014 |  |  |  |

Chart 13

| Location | No. Calls for Service  before board-up | CFS after board-up |
| :--: | :--: | :--: |
| 2021 Pierce Street | 24 | 2 |
| 1719 Roosevelt Street | 23 | 1 |

2021 Pierce Street board-up in February 2015. 1719 Roosevelt Street board-up in November 2014.

Chart 14

# Hollywood Police Department - Federal Highway Project, Community Questionnaire 

The City of Hollywood Police Department is interested in your input to better understand the nature of problems affecting the US 1, Federal Highway corridor.

Please take a few minutes to complete this electronic questionnaire. There are a total of 10 questions which should take about 10 minutes or less to complete.

At no time will you be asked to identify yourself and your responses will be completely anonymous meaning that they can never be linked back to you. Your participation in this survey is completely voluntary.

* Required

1. What is your gender? *
$\odot$ Male
$\odot$ Female
2. How long have you frequented (lived, worked, visited) the Federal Highway area? *
$\odot$ A month or less
$\odot$ Over a month but less than 6 months
$\odot$ Over six months but less than 1 year
$\odot 1$ year or more
3. Overall, how would you describe the crime and disorder related conditions along the Federal Highway area of Hollywood? *
$\odot$ Nothing has changed.
$\odot$ Things have improved.
$\odot$ Things have gotten worse.
$\odot$ I can't really say. (Don't know).
4. Have you ever observed any individuals that you believed were engaging in or trying to engage in the sale of sexual behaviors (i.e. prostitution) around the Federal Highway area? *
$\odot$ Yes
$\odot$ No
5. Normally, how many times per week do you typically see individuals engaging in behavior that you believe to be prostitution related? *
$\odot$ Never.
$\odot$ Less than 1 time per week.
$\odot$ About 1 time per week.
$\odot$ About 2 to 4 times per week.
$\odot$ Almost every day.

6. Complete the following statement. "Compared to 6 months ago, the prostitution problem along Federal Highway has... "
(A response of 3 would mean no change.)
$\begin{array}{lllllll}1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5\end{array}$
gotten worse $\odot \odot \odot \odot \odot$ gotten better
7. Complete the following statement. "Compared to this same time last year, the prostitution problem along Federal Highway has... "
(A response of 3 would mean no change.)
$\begin{array}{lllllll}1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5\end{array}$
gotten worse $\odot \odot \odot \odot \odot$ gotten better
8. Normally, how many times per week do you typically see individuals sleeping in public and/or publicly intoxicated? *
$\odot$ Never.
$\odot$ Less than 1 time per week.
$\odot$ About 1 time per week.
$\odot$ About 2 to 4 times per week.
$\odot$ Almost every day.
9. Complete the following statement. "Compared to 6 months ago, the problem of public drunkeness and/or sleeping in public along Federal Highway has... "
(A response of 3 would mean no change.)
$\begin{array}{lllllll}1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5\end{array}$
gotten worse $\odot \odot \odot \odot \odot$ gotten better
10. Complete the following statement. "Compared to this same time last year, the problem of public drunkeness and/or sleeping in public along Federal Highway has... "
(A response of 3 would mean no change.)
$\begin{array}{lllllll}1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5\end{array}$
gotten worse $\odot \odot \odot \odot \odot$ gotten better
Submit
100\%: You made it.

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Federal Highway survey distributed to community members.

# HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT 

## PROSTITUTE QUESTIONNAIRE

## NAME:  DOB:  SSN / DL/ID \#:  LOCATION:

1) HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PROSTITUTE?
2) DO YOU HAVE A DRUG ADDICTION AND IF SO WHAT IS YOUR DRUG OF CHOICE?
3) WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO PROSTITUTE IN HOLLYWOOD?
4) DO YOU FEEL THAT BEING ARRESTED DETERS YOU FROM PROSTITUTING IN THE FUTURE?
5) WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IN YOUR LIFE FOR YOU TO STOP PROSTITUTING?

Prostitute survey. Data used when attempting to determine influence and causation, deterrent effects and when evaluating recommended intervention or resources.

Federal Highway Prostitution Analysis Summary of Key Findings and Response Formulation

|  | Problem Synopsis | Response Strategy | Progress  Measure |
| :--: | :--: | :--: | :--: |
| Place/Location | Business corridor with high transient population due to tourism. Several low cost motels/hotels which rent by the hour. Street parking, alleyways, and secluded parking areas coupled with access to motels and vacant houses offer ample opportunity for conducting transactions. Distinct temporal patterns of prostitution activity surrounding typical work hours. | - Establish ordinance against hotel/motel hourly rentals. | $\mathrm{Y} / \mathrm{N}$ |
|  |  | - Conduct workshops with Fed Hwy motel/hotel owners/managers to promote best practices. | Doc. |
|  |  | - Establish report card system to identify problem motels and target with added assistance and "encouragement." | Doc. |
|  | Low cost housing and presence of several drug houses within three blocks of Fed Hwy corridor serve as further attractors to the area. | - Secure alleyways and parking lots via access control, improved, lighting, and surveillance systems. | Doc. |
|  |  | - Target/work with owners of vacant houses serving as drug/prostitution dens (proximal, accessible, and concealable). | Doc. |
| Prostitutes | Mostly white (8/10), ave. age 32, ave. height, below ave. weight. $42 \%$ have at least 1 prior conviction, $16 \%$ have 3 priors. Most live within walking distance of Fed Hwy corridor ( $50 \%$ within 1.6 mi ). Most are drug addicts. Attracted to area due to ease of making money and easy access to drug houses to support habit. About half are on gov.t benefits. Some have been working the area for many years. Some rely on "boyfriend" to facilitate transactions and use money to support both their drug habits. | - Establish geographic restraining orders. | Counts |
|  |  | - During sting operation processing have social service provisioning (i.e. employment, faith based orgs, housing assist., drug treatment) present to provide assistance. Discretionary use of notice to appear. | Doc. |
|  |  | - Active ongoing monitoring and provisioning of services with incentives to stay off street. | Doc. |
|  |  | - Target drug houses for nuisance abatement. | Records of |
| Johns | About half white half black, ave. age 41, ave. height, below ave. weight. About half live within 6.2 miles of corridor. Most appear to have significant others, most employed (supported by temporal sequencing). "Just know" Fed Hwy corridor is place to go for sex. | - Establish mandatory $1^{\text {st }}$ time arrest educational program. (Requires establishing municipal ordinance). | Doc. /attd. |
|  |  | - Posting of arrestees on a sex offender website. | Doc. |
|  |  | - Systematic notification of families via formal letter. | Records |
|  |  | - Targeted "Keep it Zipped" deterrent messaging through sex online sites (i.e.craigslist, backpage). | Doc. |