--- title: "Operation Red Light:Milwaukees North Side Prostitution Abatement Plan" type: "pdf" year: "2012" canonical: "/projects/837" --- # 2012 Herman Goldstein Awards ![img-0.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-0.jpeg) # Table of Contents - [2012 Herman Goldstein Awards](#2012-herman-goldstein-awards) - [OPERATION RED LIGHT: MILWAUKEE'S NORTH SIDE PROSTITUTION ABATEMENT PLAN](#operation-red-light-milwaukees-north-side-prostitution-abatement-plan) - [OPERATION RED LIGHT](#operation-red-light) - [Section 1: Summary](#section-1-summary) - [Section 2: Scanning](#section-2-scanning) - [Section 3: Analysis](#section-3-analysis) - [Section 3: Response](#section-3-response) - [Operation Red Light Phase II: Long-term Results With Efficiency and Officer Safety.](#operation-red-light-phase-ii-long-term-results-with-efficiency-and-officer-safety) - [1. Reduction in Resources Used for Short-Term Results](#1-reduction-in-resources-used-for-short-term-results) - [2. Visible, Efficient, and Sustained Operation](#2-visible-efficient-and-sustained-operation) - [A. The Plan](#a-the-plan) - [B. Officer Safety, Cost Reduction, and Efficiency](#b-officer-safety-cost-reduction-and-efficiency) - [C. A Visible Police Force](#c-a-visible-police-force) - [D. A Visible Community Partner](#d-a-visible-community-partner) - [F. Focus On The Solicitors](#f-focus-on-the-solicitors) - [COMMUNITY INTERVENTION PROJECT](#community-intervention-project) - [G. The Community Partner: The Benedict Center of Milwaukee](#g-the-community-partner-the-benedict-center-of-milwaukee) - [Benedict Center Partnership History / Overview](#benedict-center-partnership-history-overview) - [Section 4: Assessment](#section-4-assessment) - [Figure 2. The Operation Red Light Agreement](#figure-2-the-operation-red-light-agreement) - [1. Lisbon Avenue](#1-lisbon-avenue) - [move to dismiss the ticket and the fine](#move-to-dismiss-the-ticket-and-the-fine) - [[Court Case \#]](#court-case) - [MILWAUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT](#milwaukee-police-department) - [MEMORANDUM](#memorandum) - [Specific Enforcement:](#specific-enforcement) - [Squads: (See pages 2)](#squads-see-pages-2) - [Additional Information:](#additional-information) - [$11 / 21 / 11$](#11-21-11) - [Squad 3212](#squad-3212) - [Mobile Command Center](#mobile-command-center) - [Squad 3268](#squad-3268) - [Squad 3268W](#squad-3268w) - [Squad 3237](#squad-3237) - [Squad 3267](#squad-3267) - [Sensitive Crimes](#sensitive-crimes) - [MILWAUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT](#milwaukee-police-department) - [MEMORANDUM](#memorandum) - [**********AFTER ACTION REPORT***********](#after-action-report) - [MILWAUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT](#milwaukee-police-department) - [MEMORANDUM](#memorandum) - [MILWAUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT](#milwaukee-police-department) - [MEMORANDUM](#memorandum) - [*********AFTER ACTION REPORT***********](#after-action-report) - [High Visibility Signage (2' X 3') Deployed During Anti-Prostitution Operations](#high-visibility-signage-2-x-3-deployed-during-anti-prostitution-operations) - [City of Milwaukee](#city-of-milwaukee) - [JOHN SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND CALENDAR](#john-school-curriculum-and-calendar) - [MPD officers target Lisbon Avenue for prostitution sweep](#mpd-officers-target-lisbon-avenue-for-prostitution-sweep) - [New Approach Sends Prostitutes To Treatment, Not Jail](#new-approach-sends-prostitutes-to-treatment-not-jail) - [Offenders Would Be Enrolled In 6-Month Program](#offenders-would-be-enrolled-in-6-month-program) - [ADDITIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE OF OPERATION RED LIGHT](#additional-media-coverage-of-operation-red-light) ## OPERATION RED LIGHT: MILWAUKEE'S NORTH SIDE PROSTITUTION ABATEMENT PLAN ![img-1.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-1.jpeg) ![img-2.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-2.jpeg) ![img-3.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-3.jpeg) Milwaukee Operation Red Light - Herman Goldstein Submission Page 1 # OPERATION RED LIGHT Milwaukee Police Department Third District Police Chief Edward A Flynn Captain Michael Brunson Lieutenant Aimee Obregon Sergeant Edward Peerenboom Police Officer Stephen Witkowski Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm Assistant District Christopher Ladwig Benedict Center Executive Director Jeanne Geraci Program Director Donna Hietpas Meagan Winn ![img-4.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-4.jpeg) Herman Goldstein Award Submission 2012 # Section 1: Summary Historically, when the Milwaukee Police Department conducts an anti-prostitution undercover operation, there is a significant investment of police, District Attorney's Office, and court resources in manpower, hours, and overtime. For law enforcement, there is also an increased exposure to injury and accusations of misconduct when conducting an undercover operation. The end result of conducting an undercover prostitution operation is that while it may be successful in obtaining arrests, it is only temporarily effective in clearing the streets of prostitutes and the associated crime and disorder that come with it. Despite best efforts of the police and the District Attorney's Office, the sentencing of criminal prostitution cases often results in minimal jail time, probation, or fines. Within days, or even sometimes hours, those arrested for prostitution are released from custody and without any government monitoring. This revolving door continually negates the countless dedicated hours expended by police in combating this ever-present problem. Realizing the limits of traditional law enforcement to combat prostitution activity, in 2009, under the command of then-Captain Christopher Domagalski, Operation Red Light was devised and implemented by the District Three Community Prosecution Unit, which includes four police officers and a community prosecutor. Currently, this plan operates under the direct authority of Captain Michael Brunson and Lieutenant Aimee Obregon. Operation Red Light was a pilot project focused on abating the prostitution activities that affect the north side of Milwaukee. Operation Red Light was a collaborative effort between the MPD, the District Attorney's Office, and the Benedict Center - a community-based organization that provides intensive programming for women engaged in prostitution. The Benedict Center programming included alcohol or drug addiction assistance; parenting classes; job skills training; self-esteem courses; and high school diploma courses. Women arrested in Operation Red Light, plead guilty to criminal prostitution and then entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) that allowed for a dismissal of the criminal case if the women successfully completed a 6month Benedict Center program. There was a dramatic reduction in recidivism for the women who voluntarily and were legally required by the District Attorney's Office to enter the Benedict Center programming, Under Operation Red Light, MPD used at least 15 officers to run undercover operations, and the operations often required overtime. Operation Red Light also required the community prosecutor to draft multiple complaints and DPAs and utilize significant court time. It became clear that MPD needed to reduce the number of police officers used in prostitution operations; reduce the risk to officer injury and the unfounded accusations of misconduct; and reduce limited prosecution and court resources. Furthermore, the sustainability of the program was also hindered by the lack of community involvement and engagement. In Operation Red Light Phase II, MPD, the District Attorney's Office, the Benedict Center, and the Community, revised Operation Red Light to reduce police and court resources and increase community involvement Also, Operation Red Liught Phase II focuses on the men soliciting prostitutes as well. In Operation Red Light Phase II, MPD uses a six to eight officer team that is deployed to a location that has been identified as a high-risk area for prostitution. No overtime is required. Utilizing an undercover vehicle, a plainclothes officer will conduct surveillance in this area gathering enough information on individuals engaged in prostitution to seek a City of Milwaukee municipal ordinance charge of Loitering - Prostitution Related 106-31-7 (Bail amount of $\$ 363.00$ ). Utilizing the uniformed officers, these ordinance violators will then be positively identified in the field (utilizing squad computers and MORPHO RAP-ID system) and there is a visible arrest. The arrestee is conveyed directly to the Benedict Center Outreach center, rather than to booking at a district station. Rather than criminal charges, the officers write municipal citations for the women arrested - thus significantly freeing prosecutor and court resources. The citation is written, but it is not issued at the scene. Instead, arrestees are required to enter a six-month Benedict Center program that entails alcohol and drug treatment, job training, job search aid, self-esteem classes, and parenting classes. As part of the program, MPD may gather DNA of the women arrested and may also require testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases via the Benedict Center. MPD is responsible for maintaining the citations and periodically monitoring the arrestees with the Benedict Center to determine whether the arrestees are successfully completing the sixmonth program. During this six months, the individuals that have been referred to the programming is expected regularly attend and not engage in further acts of prostitution. Those who successfully complete the program will not have their municipal ticket issued and as part of an agreement with the Municipal Court, may have open older tickets dismissed as well. Those who are not successful will have their municipal ticket issued at anytime during the six-month program period and may be referred to the community prosecutor for criminal charges. Operation Red Light Phase II, will result in efficient use of limited resources law enforcement and legal resources, significantly increase monitoring of those arrested for prostitution offenses, reduce recidivism of prostitution offenses, and puts the community in a central crime prevention role. # Section 2: Scanning The City of Milwaukee has geographically historical thoroughfares for the prostitution trade. These areas have been plagued with prostitution activity and the crimes associated with prostitution for decades. The prostitution hot spots are primarily in three locations on the north side of the city and three locations on the south side of the city. (See Figure 1). In the past, the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) treated the prostitution activities in both the north and south parts of the city in the same manner: short-term police patrols and arrest sweeps. This traditional policing technique stifled the prostitution problem only for a limited period. However, after the police presence dissipates, the crime issues reemerge. An analysis of factors contributing to prostitution activity shows that these prostitution corridors remain viable for the following reasons: 1. It is culturally understood that these corridors are the location for prostitution activities 2. The physical environment invites the activities 3. Traditional policing techniques have repeatedly failed curb the criminal behavior Every year, hundred of prostitution cases (prostitutes and solicitors) are brought to the District Attorney's Office for criminal charges. Hundreds of these cases enter the court system and are resolved with traditional prosecution methods (probation or jail) result in minimal imposition or monitoring for the offender. However, starting in 2007, many prostitution cases are resolved with a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA), whereby the defendant pleads guilty to the crime of prostitution and then is intensively monitored by a community-based organization called the Benedict Center. The monitoring entails successfully completing programming including: alcohol or drug addiction assistance; parenting classes; job skills training; self-esteem courses; and high school diploma courses. This DPA program has proven vastly more successful at stopping criminal recidivism for certain low-level crimes such as prostitution. Operation Red Light is intended to build off of the DPA program successes and abate the prostitution problem in the long-term through use of an innovative collaboration between the Milwaukee Police Department, the District Attorney's Office, the City Attorney's Office, and community organizations. The initial focus is on Milwaukee's north side prostitution corridors. # Section 3: Analysis In 2009, Operation Red Light was devised and implemented by the District Three Community Prosecution Unit. Operation Red Light was designed as a collaborative effort between the MPD, the District Attorney's Office, and the Benedict Center. The collaboration strategies included: arrest and criminal prosecution, outreach with Benedict Center and MPD officers, and consistent patrolling in high-risk areas. This collaboration was most effective when it reduced the amount of women engaged in prostitution by redirecting at-risk women into positive programming. There was a reduction in recidivism for the women who were legally required by the District Attorney's Office to enter the Benedict Center programming through a DPA. This operation, however, required significant police and court resources and was thus unsustainable in a police district combating significant violent crime. Prostitution is often referred to as a victimless crime, however, law enforcement surveys of residents, businesses, and community-based organizations show that the community is the victim. Furthermore, the crimes most commonly associated with prostitution (drugs use and dealing, domestic violence, and intoxicated disorderly conduct) bring a significant amount of unsavory people and activities into neighborhoods. The offenders are not only the women engaged in selling of sexual favors but the men who frequent the corridors - the solicitors. An examination of the justice system's treatment of the solicitors of prostitution revealed an incongruous punishment for the soliciting men compared to the selling women. Correcting this divergence in treatment was also a focus Operation Red. The locations of the operation are focused on the following three historical thoroughfares: Lisbon Avenue; North Avenue; and Wells Street. (See Figure 1). # Section 3: Response ## Operation Red Light Phase II: Long-term Results With Efficiency and Officer Safety. ## 1. Reduction in Resources Used for Short-Term Results Historically, when police conduct anti-prostitution undercover operations, there is a significant investment of manpower, hours, and overtime for police, District Attorney's Office, and the court system. For law enforcement, there is also an increased exposure to attack and injury and accusations of misconduct when conducting an undercover operation. Unfortunately, the end result of a prostitution sweeps does not often yield the intended long-term results. Rather, many undercover prostitution operations result in obtaining arrests and short-term reduction in prostitution activity; however, the sweeps are not effective in a creating a sustained removal of prostitutes and the associated crime and disorder that come with it. One difficulty with the criminal arrest of prostitution is despite best efforts of the police and the District Attorney's Office, the sentencing of criminal prostitution cases often results in minimal jail time, probation, or fines. Thus, within days, or even sometimes hours, those arrested for prostitution are released from custody without any government monitoring. This revolving door continually negates the countless dedicated hours expended by police and the District Attorney's Office in combating this ever-present problem. Another difficulty with the criminal arrest of prostitution is that many of the women engaged in prostitution have severe alcohol and drug addictions. Although arrest and jailing may be successful and necessary for some women, often this procedure fails to address the root issue of their activity - this is highlighted by the significant recidivism rates we see within this criminal population. The last difficulty with the criminal arrest of prostitution, is that it requires a substantial amount police training and resources in manpower and vehicles. Also, there is a greater risk to officer safety as they place themselves in vulnerable undercover positions while they attempt to secure a valid state-level criminal arrest. In most Milwaukee police districts, it is unfeasible to expect these operations to be sustained when limited manpower and vehicle resources are being used for higher priority criminal issues. # 2. Visible, Efficient, and Sustained Operation Borrowing from the successful elements of Operation Red Light, we have designed Operation Red Light Phase II which will maximize the effectiveness of anti-prostitution efforts while minimizing the amount of police, District Attorney's Office, and court resources while maximizing a community partnership. The safety and efficiency of the plan allows for consistent, visible, and sustained sweeps operations, which is necessary to reduce prostitution activity in the long-term. ## A. The Plan Utilizing an undercover vehicle, a plainclothes officer will conduct surveillance in high prostitution areas gathering enough information on individuals engaged in prostitution to seek a City of Milwaukee municipal ordinance charge of Loitering - Prostitution. Uniformed officers will then arrest these women and positively identify them in the field utilizing squad computers and MORPHO RAP-ID system. Loitering - Prostitution tickets is written but not issued at this time. Rather then transporting the women to the district station for booking and medical treatment, arrestees is taken directly to a community-based treatment center - the Milwaukee Benedict Center - for intake into programming and referral to necessary medical treatment. The women will enter a six-month deferred prosecution agreement, which requires that they will enter programming and be monitored by the Benedict Center. (See Figure 2). The Benedict Center has partnered with MPD and the District Attorney's Office in the past and has been largely successful in reducing recidivism for those engaged in prostitution THROUGH THE District Attorney's DPA program discussed above. The Benedict Center program entails alcohol and drug treatment, job training, job search aid, high school diploma classes, self-esteem classes, and parenting classes. Importantly, the Benedict Center is a program trusted by targeted women. MPD District 3 Community Prosecution Unit is responsible for maintaining the citations and monitoring the arrestees with the Benedict Center to determine whether the arrestees are successfully completing the six-month program. The Benedict Center also monitors the arrestees who have been referred to them for a six-month time frame. During the six months, the individuals that have been referred to the programming and is expected to regularly attend programming and not engage in further acts of prostitution. Those who successfully complete the program will not have their municipal ticket issued, and may through an agreement with the municipal courts, have their older tickets dismissed as well. (See Figure 3) Those who are not successful will have their municipal ticket issued at anytime during the six-month program period. If a person is not successful in the Benedict Center programming and the criminal behavior continues, the Community Prosecution Officers and Community Prosecutor will structure a criminal case with a jail recommendation. # B. Officer Safety, Cost Reduction, and Efficiency One goal of Phase II is to reduce the number of police officers used in prostitution operations and reduce the risk to officer injury and the unfounded accusations of misconduct. In Phase II, MPD will use a six or eight officer team that is deployed to a location that has been identified as a high-risk area for prostitution. Under this plan, there is no need for an undercover officer to be alone in a vehicle with a target, which reduces the risk of injury and accusations of misconduct. Furthermore, traditional undercover prostitution operations require significant time and manpower. Approximately ten to fifteen officers participate in traditional operations that require eight hours per officer and possibly overtime costs. In Phase II, the operation will take four hours, which is half of the officers' shift. This efficient use of scarce police resources results in no overtime and allows officers to be used for other purposes for the remaining four hours of their shifts. Furthermore, with a small and efficient operation, district commanders are more likely to deploy anti-prostitution operations with greater frequency, which results in a more robust prostitution abatement program. Multiple MPD after-action reports explain the reduced resources and community involvement. (See Figure 4). Lastly, by partnering with the Benedict Center and not immediately resorting to taxpayer funded resources, we allow for reduced costs to the City, County, and State. # C. A Visible Police Force Another goal of Phase II is to demonstrate for the community that police are cognizant of the prostitution activity and are earnestly enforcing the law. Unlike an undercover sweep operation where a prostitute is taken from the street in an undercover vehicle to a removed and clandestine location, in Phase II, the prostitute and johns is visibly arrested on the street. This public arrest allows for community residents and business owners to observe the police actively engaged in prostitution abatement. This visible law enforcement will foster a sense of safety and trust that the police are aware of illegal activity and are vigorously pursuing criminals in the area. Furthermore, MPD runs "High Visibility Days." On those days, the police line the historical prostitution corridors with anti-prostitution signage, beat officers, police automobiles, and citizen volunteers who deter prostitutes and solicitors from engaging in criminal acts by their presence. These high visibility days have proven to be an excellent tool to build collaboration and trust between community members and police. (See Figures 5, 5a, 5b and 5c). ## D. A Visible Community Partner Essential to the plan is the partnership and visible cooperation of the police and the District Attorney's Office working with the surrounding neighborhoods. We have collaborated with the neighborhood associations, businesses, landlords, and residents concerned with the prostitution issue. A monthly meeting between law enforcement and the community allows for shared information as to arrests, programming progress, successes, and failures. We have also trained community members in the basics of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design - a concept, which has lead to the environmental changes of better lighting, art work, and signage in businesses and residents meant to deter prostitution activities. (See Figure 6). The active participation of the residents and business owners has provided the foundation for a change and long-term success of sustainable civic life. Community members are also sharing information with police regarding the cars that often seen engaged in prostitution soliciting. The police vet the information and if it proves true, the officers send a "Dear John" letter to the car owner. This letter informs the car owner that they have been seen frequenting an area known for prostitution activity and the police would like to know if the car owner has observed any illegal behavior. (See Figure 7). The letter has proven to be a tactic that deters suspected solicitors from returning to the neighborhood. The Community Prosecutor also participates in the sweeps. The presence of a district attorney allows the community and the women arrested to see that: (1) there is a significant concerted effort by law enforcement to change the behavior; and (2) serious consequences are a real possibility. Another significant piece of the visible community presence is the partnership between two beat officers and two Benedict Center outreach workers. The four-person unit walks the historic prostitution corridors together providing resources to women in crisis. The resources include informational pamphlets about treatment programs, housing and food programs, and government assistance; bus passes; and hygiene and childcare kits. The outreach has a twofold impact: First, the officers gain intelligence on prostitution activity, human trafficking, and the locations of prostitution/drug houses. Second, the combination of outreach workers and officers side-by-side providing resources sends a signal to the women engaged in prostitution that the Benedict Center and the police are there for positive intervention; this builds trust and access. # F. Focus On The Solicitors ## COMMUNITY INTERVENTION PROJECT Preventing the Solicitation of ProstituTES Mission: Reinvigorate Our Neighborhoods. In the past, short-term police patrols and arrest sweeps have stifled the prostitution problem only for a limited period. However, after the police presence dissipates, the issue reemerges. The Community Intervention Program is intended to abate the prostitution problem in the long-term through use of an innovative collaboration between the Milwaukee Police Department, the District Attorneys Office, and the Aids Resource Center of Wisconsin. It is the mission of the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office to protect our community through focused and efficient prosecution, and the only way we can accomplish this goal is by expanding our connection and communication with the people and community based organizations throughout Milwaukee County. The Community Intervention Project is a smart, resourceful, and innovative way to respond to a community's need to curtail a longstanding criminal problem without further burdening the all ready overtaxed criminal justice system. The Plan: First, the offenders arrested for soliciting prostitutes in our neighborhoods must take responsibility for the crime they committed. To enter the program, the offenders must waive their constitutional right to a jury trial and plead guilty to the charged crime. If at anytime throughout the program the offender violates the terms of the program, the offender may be immediately sentenced and the State will recommend a jail sentence. Second, the offenders enter into a six-month program that includes education classes regarding the following topics: health risks from high-risk sexual behavior; legal risks involved in prostitution; the life of a prostitute; the damage to the community brought by prostitution activity; and behavioral change. Third, the offenders must give back to the communities that they harmed by participating in several neighborhood clean-ups focused on the areas most affected by prostitution activity. Throughout the program, the community takes a leadership role through administering the classes and organizing the clean-ups. The Community Intervention Project curriculum is focused on changing the behavior. (See Figure 8). # G. The Community Partner: The Benedict Center of Milwaukee ## Benedict Center Partnership History / Overview In 2009, District Three entered into a partnership with the Benedict Center (The Benedict Center is an interfaith, nonprofit criminal justice agency working with victims, offenders and the community) in an effort to break the cycle of prostitution that historically has challenged and resisted traditional police tactics. Since the inception of this plan, now labeled "Operation Red Light", the Benedict center has taken on numerous roles and responsibilities in an attempt to further our mutual goals or restoring not only the neighborhoods where these criminal acts were taking place, but also to the individuals who are drawn into this type of criminal activity. For the past three and a half years the partnership and programming of the Benedict Center has evolved to a point where they now preemptively intervene on behalf of women in crisis who have turned to prostitution and other street crimes to support themselves. This partnership has seen the Benedict Center begin staffing an outreach program in the Third District. This program is called the "Sisters Project" and came about as a direct offshoot of Operation Red Light. Women involved in prostitution are diverted directly to this programming at the time of the violation. This immediate response by the police and our partners at the Benedict Center, have positively affected scores of women engaged in this illicit and detrimental lifestyle. The men who routinely pick up these women are also targeted in another branch of Operation Red Light wherein they are sent to a twelve-week programming course at a "John School" which has also been taken on by the Benedict Center. Reaching out to the men involved in these crimes is a major departure from the demographic that the Benedict Center has normally focused on as well. The Benedict Center has responded to the needs of the police on numerous occasions as Operation Red Light has gone through modifications and retooling to become increasingly more effective. From making themselves available by changing their hours so they coincide with ours, to dedicating their staff and resources to outreach programs, and also to developing and implementing our "John School". The Benedict Center has proven that they indeed are a partner of the Milwaukee Police Department and are willing to bring to bear their resources, and do whatever they can to directly affect positive change, not only with the individuals involved, but with the impacted neighborhoods and the City as a whole. # Section 4: Assessment Since the inception of Operation Red Light Phase II, MPD has arrested 83 women engaged in prostitution activities who were sent to Benedict Center and 53 men for soliciting who entered the Community Intervention Project. Of the women, $67 \%$ of the women have successfully completed the program and of those women, none have recidivated. Of the men in the Community Intervention Program, all have successfully completed the program and only 2 men have recidivated. Most importantly, the holistic and collaborative approach to the prostitution issue on the north side of Milwaukee shows a significant contrast to the traditional police and prosecution tactics used on the south side of the city. (See Figures 1 and 9). The statistics show a drastic decrease in the north side corridors since 2009. However, the south side prostitution activities remained consistent. Anecdotal community information also bears the same results: community members have noticed a dramatic decrease in prostitution activities in their neighborhoods. There is also increase in confidence in police anti-prostitution tactics. The law enforcement survey suggests that this is due to the visible police operations and the new community engagement approach that allows for citizens participation in crime prevention. Additional benefits of this project include intelligence regarding other criminal activity in the area and public health benefits. As part of the program, MPD will gather DNA of the women arrested and also require testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases via the Benedict Center. This process will increase law enforcement intelligence gathering efforts and increase inter-agency collaboration. After the women engaged in prostitution are arrested, they is questioned by an officer as to crimes related to pandering, drugs, violence, and any other critical issues. The DNA samples from each woman will increase the solvability of crimes committed by the women or crimes in which the women are victims. Furthermore, the officers will share information with the other police officers and probation agents regarding any women who are currently on probation or parole. This shared information will allow the Department of Corrections to leverage additional resources to correct behavior. Also, the Benedict Center does voluntary health testing - all the women have thus far agreed to testing. The testing reveals health concerns and allows for appropriate treatment. Also, local media has been integral in getting the message out regarding the operation and its successes. (See Figure 10). The coverage has allowed for police operation transparency as well communication with the neighborhoods that are being targeted. Furthermore, the Operation Red Light is currently being taught at Marquette Law School in a Community Prosecution course as an exemplary sample of problem oriented policing and community prosecution strategies. Figure 1. Milwaukee Prostitution Municipal and State Charges Density Map ![img-5.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-5.jpeg) # Figure 2. The Operation Red Light Agreement You have been arrested as part of a new initiative in Milwaukee called Operation Red Light. As part of this operation, you are being offered an opportunity to have your Loitering - Prostitution Related ticket and fine dismissed by the City of Milwaukee. To get your ticket and fine dismissed, you must agree to do the following: 1. Commit no further acts which rise to the level of probable cause of a violation of the laws of the State of Wisconsin, or of any other state, or of the United States of America; 2. Cooperate with Benedict Center monitoring (monitoring agency) and initially attend weekly meetings with a designated caseworker, the frequency of said meetings to be adjusted with the consent of the parties and based on the defendant's compliance. 3. Make a good faith effort to pay an assessment in the amount of $\$ 50.00$ to the Benedict Center. Absent any other violation, failure to pay this assessment will not automatically be grounds for termination of this agreement. 4. Participate in any additional programming as determined by the monitoring organization or individual. 5. $\square$ Participate in GED/HSED Program if necessary 6. $\square$ Participate in AODA/mental health assessment through the Benedict Center. 7. $\square$ Participate in required substance abuse and/or mental health treatment. 8. $\square$ Undergo random screens for drugs and alcohol to ensure absolute sobriety. The defendant acknowledges that he or she may be drug tested at any time. In the event that the defendant is given a location and time to report for a drug test, it is their responsibility to report to the assigned location at the time given for the test. A missed test or a specimen that comes back "diluted" will be considered "dirty" for which the defendant may be sanctioned. Repeated positive, diluted or missed drug screens may be grounds for termination of this Agreement by the State. 9. $\square$ Notify any medical practitioner seen for medical treatment that they are subject to the terms of this Agreement, disclose that they have an open criminal case in Milwaukee County and that this information should be considered by the practitioner in making any medical determinations on the participant's behalf in connection with prescribed substances. The defendant should also request that the practitioner write on the participant's medical file that the patient is a participant in a drug treatment program and sign and date a written acknowledgement of this disclosure, which the participant is required to provide to the Court and the parties to the Agreement. Failure to comply with this Policy may result in termination of the Agreement. 10. $\square$ Complete any releases necessary for monitoring. 11. $\square$ Have no contact with the following geographic areas: # 1. Lisbon Avenue a. Northern Border: W. Vine Street b. Southern Border: W. Walnut Street c. Eastern Border: N. $35^{\text {th }}$ Street d. Western Border: N. $27^{\text {th }}$ Street 2. North Avenue a. Northern Border: W. Meinecke Street b. Southern Border: W. Garfield Avenue c. Eastern Border: N. $35^{\text {th }}$ Street d. Western Border: N. $14^{\text {th }}$ Street 3. Avenues West Neighborhood a. Northern Border: W. State Street b. Southern Border: W. Michigan Street c. Eastern Border: N. $35^{\text {th }}$ Street d. Western Border: N. $24^{\text {th }}$ Street 12. $\square$ Obtain/maintain part-time legal employment. 13. $\square$ Perform $\underline{10}$ hours community service 2. During the pendency of this agreement, the monitoring agency will provide monthly reports to the Assistant District Attorney and counsel for the Defendant certifying compliance with the terms of this agreement. It is the responsibility of Defense counsel to provide three (3) copies of the monitoring agency's report for any review date before the Court. 3. At the end of the deferral period, the defendant shall submit written proof of compliance which will by certified by the monitoring agency and provided to the Court; 4. If, at the end of the deferral period, the defendant has complied with the conditions of this agreement, the State will. ## move to dismiss the ticket and the fine If, at any time during the deferral period, the defendant has not complied with the conditions of this agreement, the State may at its discretion revoke this agreement, and, upon notice to the defendant, move the court to enter the judgment of conviction and the parties shall proceed to sentencing. Under these circumstances, the City of Milwaukee will issue the tickets and you will be required to pay a forfeiture and could spend time in jail if the forfeiture is not paid. # [Court Case \#] Name: Address: $\qquad$ , the defendant, hereby moves the municipal court to permanently stay the fine(s) for the following municipal ticket(s): 1. (Case Number and Charge) 2. (Case Number and Charge) 3. (Case Number and Charge) 4. (Case Number and Charge) 5. (Case Number and Charge) 5. The defendant was arrested on $\qquad$ for a municipal violation of LoiteringProstitution Related (ORD 106-35-2) (MPD Ticket No. $\qquad$ ); 6. As part of Milwaukee Police District Three's Pilot Project, Operation Red Light, the defendant agreed to enter into a 6 -month program with the Benedict Center of Milwaukee where she received intensive treatment, counseling, and programming, which is explained in the attached letter from the Benedict Center. This programming was a condition of the Milwaukee Police Department deferring process of MPD Ticket No. $\qquad$ ; 7. Based on the defendant successfully completing her 6-month Benedict Center programming, the Milwaukee Police department will not process MPD Ticket No. $\qquad$ ; 8. The attached Programming Letter from the Benedict Center specifically explains the programming, the start date, and successful completion date; 9. Based on the defendant's successful completion of the Benedict Center programming, $\qquad$ requests that the court permanently stay the fine(s) in the above-stated ticket(s); 10. It is understood by the defendant that: (1) it is solely the municipal judge's decision whether to permanently stay the fine(s); (2) the municipal judge is not bound by any law, ordinance, or agreement to permanently stay the fine(s); and (3) the municipal judge's decision will be based on several factors, including but not limited to, the successful completion of the Benedict Center programming. Respectfully submitted, NAME: Figure 4: After Action Reports Showing Reduced Police Resources # MILWAUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT ## MEMORANDUM Date: $11 / 01 / 11$ TO: Michael Brunson Captain of Police FR: Stephen Witkowski Police Officer CC: RE: Anti-Prostitution Deployment - Monday 11/21/11 (2P - 10P) This report is submitted by PO Stephen Witkowski. Assigned to District Three Early Shift, Community Prosecution Unit. Anti-Prostitution deployment is detailed below. Dates: Monday 11/21/11 Operational Hours: $2 \mathrm{P}-10 \mathrm{P}$ Sector: District Wide Location: Area \#1: W Lisbon Ave, from N $27^{\text {th }} \mathrm{St}$ on the East to N $39^{\text {th }} \mathrm{St}$ on the West Area \#2: W North Ave, from N $10^{\text {th }} \mathrm{St}$ on the East, to N $20^{\text {th }} \mathrm{St}$ on the West ## Specific Enforcement: This operation is designed to be a highly visible deterrence. It will involve utilizing the Mobile Command Center, Anti-Prostitution signage and vigorous patrol of the identified areas (traffic stops, field interviews, business checks, etc...). This mission is designed to disrupt criminal activity in the identified areas, gather intelligence, and to restore order with a major emphasis on prostitution and related crimes. # Squads: (See pages 2) Field Supervision: Squad 3212 Sgt Peerenboom Mission Commander: Lt. Obregon Comments: This plan was devised to use minimal law enforcement resources and maximize the collaboration with our community partner, the Benedict Center. This mission, is assisted by Sensitive Crimes Officers Tara Ferguson and Jaimie Hewitt. Preemption: Non pre- emptable, officers will however take Police action on all crimes in progress in the area for the duration of the deployment. ## Additional Information: Original to Captain Brunson District Three $\square$ COPY ALL THREE LIEUTENANTS $\square$ COPY ROLL CALL BOARD $\square$ FAX TO COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION $\square$ Copy E-Mailed to Lt. SGRIGNUOLI, @ NTF $\square$ Copy E-Mailed to AC HARPOLE, Inspector Hudson \& Admin Asst HASSEL @ npb@milwaukee.gov ## $11 / 21 / 11$ ## Squad 3212 Sgt Peerenboom (012886) ## Mobile Command Center PO Lesniewski PO McBride (017534) (018557) ## Squad 3268 PO Witkowski ADA Ladwig (010278) (ride along) ## Squad 3268W PO Savagian (012050) ## Squad 3237 PO Groen (017788) ## Squad 3267 PO Guthrie (005506) # Sensitive Crimes PO Ferguson PO Hewitt # MILWAUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT ## MEMORANDUM Date: 08/17/11 TO: Michael J Brunson Captain of Police FR: Stephen Witkowski Police Officer CC: RE: Operation Red Light Anti-Prostitution Mission 08/11/11, 08/12/11, 08/15/11, 08/16/11 AFTER ACTION REPORT This report is submitted by PO Stephen Witkowski. Assigned to District Three Early Shift, Community Prosecution Unit. ## **********AFTER ACTION REPORT*********** Last Thursday \& Friday during the first phase of this mission, we were able to divert seven prostitutes into Bendict Center Programming, and obtain voluntary DNA swabs from each of them (City charges pending unsuccessful completion of offered programming). Detailed interviews were conducted by PO Savagian who was able to obtain intelligence regarding several houses being used for prostitution as well as information regarding a high-level narcotics dealer who operates out of addresses in District Three. On Monday \& Tuesday we successfully deployed dedicated officers, auxiliary police personnel, Anti-Prostitution signage, \& the Command Post to the areas most heavily impacted by prostitution and the disorder that accompanies it. Also involved, were SCD Officers Ferguson \& Hewitt who provided valuable support and intelligence . During the first two hours of this phase of the mission, all squads were directed to vigorously patrol, and conduct field interviews \& traffic stops. Subsequently visible signs of neighborhood disorder dissipated. During the next part of the operation, Auxilliaries and PO's were then stationed at intervals along the main corridors (W Lisbon Av, from N 30th St to N 35th St / W North Av from N 14th St to N 19th St). Anti-Prostitution Signs were prominently placed in the windows of the "Ameranth Café" (34th \& Lisbon Av), and "Galst Foods" (16th \& North Av). The Command Post and squads remained parked along these corridors with their emergency lights activated. Police Officers then maintained their respective areas outside their vehicles. Numerous residents came out to inform us of how happy they were with this operation, and the visible show of force and commitment to the area, and to addressing their concerns. On Tuesday, Channel 12 reporter Jason Newton came out to the Command Post to report on this initiative. Along with interviewing ADA Ladwig \& I, they also spoke to the manager of Galst Foods, and several neighbors who were out observing our efforts. The interview with ADA Ladwig and I gave some background on the area, and what historically has been done to address the prostitution problem in the City. Our partnering with the Benedict Center and other citizen groups was also addressed. We then walked them through the rest of the Operation Red Light efforts up to, and including what was being done at the time of the interview. The reporter informed me that he is finishing up the story by speaking to the Benedict Center. # MILWAUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT ## MEMORANDUM Date: 08/10/11 TO: Michael J Brunson Captain of Police FR: Stephen Witkowski Police Officer CC: RE: Operation Red Light Anti-Prostitution Mission 08/11/11, 08/12/11, 08/15/11, 08/16/11 This report is submitted by PO Stephen Witkowski. Assigned to District Three Early Shift, Community Prosecution Unit. Dates: Thursday 08/11/11 \& Friday 08/12/11, Monday 08/15/11 \& Tuesday 08/16/11 Operational Hours: 6A - 2P (08/11/11 \& 08/12/11) - 2P - 10P (08/15/11 \& 08/16/11) Sector: District Wide Location: Area \#1: W North Ave, from N $10^{\text {th }}$ St on the East, to N $20^{\text {th }}$ St on the West Area \#2: W Lisbon Ave, from N $27^{\text {th }}$ St on the East to N $39^{\text {th }}$ St on the West Area \#3: W Wisconsin Av on the South, W State St on the North N $24^{\text {th }}$ St on the East, to N $35^{\text {th }}$ St on the West Area \#4: N $35^{\text {th }}$ St. 2400 to 2700 Blocks Specific Enforcement: CPU and additional officers will conduct a small-scale prostitution sweep in the North Avenue/Lisbon Avenue area. The sweeps will consist of a two-day surveillance and arrest for city level tickets for loitering and prostitution. Utilizing an undercover vehicle, a plainclothes officer will conduct surveillance in this area gathering enough information on individuals engaged in prostitution to seek a City of Milwaukee municipal ordinance charge of Loitering - Prostitution Related 106-31-7 (Bail amount of $\$ 363.00)$. Using uniformed officers, these ordinance violators will taken into custody, then positively identified in the field (utilizing squad computers and MORPHO RAP-ID system). The arrestees is conveyed directly to the Benedict Center Outreach programs ( 2201 N $35^{\text {th }} \mathrm{St}$ ). Municipal Citations for these arrestees is completed, but not issued at the scene. Instead, arrestees is required to enter a six-month Benedict Center program that entails alcohol and drug treatment, job training, job search aid, self-esteem classes, and parenting classes. As part of the program, MPD may gather DNA of the women arrested and may also require testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases via the Benedict Center. A thorough interview of each woman will also be conducted during the course of the operation, with a focus on developing intelligence on crimes in District Three as well as the City as a whole. The last two days of this operation are designed to be a highly visible deterrence. It will involve utilizing the "Eyes There" mobile cameras, the newly made Anti-Prostitution signage and vigorous patrol of the identified areas (traffic stops, field interviews, business checks, etc...). This portion of the mission is designed to disrupt criminal activity in the identified areas, and to restore order. MPD District 3 Community Prosecutor Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the citations and periodically monitoring the arrestees with the Benedict Center to determine whether the arrestees are successfully completing the six-month program. The Outreach Center will also monitor the arrestees who have been referred to them for a six- month time frame. During this six months, the individuals that have been referred to the programming is expected regularly attend and not engage in further acts of prostitution. The Community Prosecutor Coordinator will inform and Community Prosecutor Officer, the Community Prosecutor, and the City Attorney as to the success or failure of each arrestee. Those who successfully complete the program will not have their municipal ticket issued. Those who are not successful will have their municipal ticket issued at anytime during the six-month program period. Squads: Squad 3268 PO Witkowski \& PO Ehlers, Squad 3267 PO Guthrie \& PO McBride, Squad 3267W PO Lesniewski, Squad 3290 PO Savagian \& PO Brown Field Supervision: Squad 3212 Sgt Peerenboom Mission Commander: Lt. Obregon Comments: This plan was devised to use minimal law enforcement resources and maximize the collaboration with our community partner, the Benedict Center. This mission, is assisted by Sensitive Crimes Officers Tara Ferguson and Jaimie Hewitt. Preemption: Non pre-emptable, officers will however take Police action on all crimes in progress in the area for the duration of the deployment. Additional Information: PO Savagian & Lesniewski is plain clothes and operating a U/C vehicle for this operation. PO Savagian's & Lesniewski's roles is strictly for surveillance and intelligence gathering. A thorough interview of all subjects taken in to custody during this mission will also be conducted in an attempt to gather information regarding crimes in the target areas. Original to Captain Brunson District Three - COPY ALL THREE LIEUTENANTS - COPY ROLL CALL BOARD - FAX TO COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION - Copy E-Mailed to Lt. SGRIGNUOLI, @ NTF - Copy E-Mailed to D / I Hoerig - Copy E-Mailed to AC HARPOLE, & Admin Asst HASSEL **Squad 3212** Sgt Peerenboom (012886) **Squad 3268** PO Witkowski (010278) PO Ehlers (018535) ADA Ladwig (ride along) **Squad 3267** PO Guthrie (005506) PO McBride (018557) **Squad 3267W** PO Lesniewski (017584) **Squad 3290** PO Brown (015467) PO Savagian (012050) Milwaukee Operation Red Light – Herman Goldstein Submission Page 30 # MILWAUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT ## MEMORANDUM Date: 08/17/11 TO: Michael J Brunson Captain of Police FR: Stephen Witkowski Police Officer CC: RE: Operation Red Light Anti-Prostitution AFTER ACTION REPORT This report is submitted by PO Stephen Witkowski. Assigned to District Three Early Shift, Community Prosecution Unit. ## *********AFTER ACTION REPORT*********** Day \#1 a total of 5 prostitutes were located inside the target areas. All were cooperative and subsequently conveyed to the Benedict Center Outreach Program located at 2201 N $35^{\text {th }}$ St.. All appeared interested in obtaining services offered by the Benedict Center. All women taken into custody were interviewed by PO Savagian. PO Savagian was able to obtain possible information regarding an unsolved homicide that occurred in the mid 90 's at 834 N $35^{\text {th }} \mathrm{St}$. - 5 individuals taken into custody - 5 pending citations written - Interview lead regarding homicide investigation / referred to C.I.B. - All subjects turned over to Benedict Center for Programming options Day \#2 a total of 5 prostitutes were located inside the target areas. All were conveyed to the Benedict Center Outreach Program located at 2201 N 35th St.. All subjects were subsequently interviewed by PO Savagian. One interview resulted in a lead regarding a subject believed to be a major supplier of narcotics throughout Milwaukee. - 5 individuals taken into custody - 8 pending citations written - Interview lead regarding narcotics investigation / referred to C.I.B. - All subjects turned over to Benedict Center for Programming options All subjects taken into custody during this operation are now going to be monitored by the Benedict Center for programming compliance. After six moths all pending citations is processed through the City Attorney's Office for. Subjects who take advantage of offered programming is avoid the pending city citations. **Preliminary feedback from the Benedict Center is that out of the 14 individuals that were diverted to their Outreach Center during the first two operations, all but one were either routinely attending the programming, or in regular communication with them. This is very early on, and the women involved are a very difficult demographic to divert into positive programming, but it is encouraging news. This operation was conducted with limited Police resources: on both deployment days. One Sergeant and seven District Three Officers were utilized (all from CLO, CPU, and M-CORP) to accomplish the mission. This contrasts with the previous traditional Anti-Prostitution Deployment that took place prior to Operation Red Light. That operation utilized 2 Sergeants and 15 officers from District Three. Comparable numbers of prostitutes were taken into custody during this mission. Respectfully submitted, PO Stephen Witkowski District Three Figure 5: Police Mobile Command Post On High Visibility Days ![img-6.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-6.jpeg) Figure 5a: Officers Conduct a Street Intervention During a Deployment ![img-7.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-7.jpeg) Figure 5b: Officers Operate the Mobile Command Post During High Visibility Deployment ![img-8.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-8.jpeg) Figure 5c: Samples of Wording on Community Signage # High Visibility Signage (2' X 3') Deployed During Anti-Prostitution Operations PROSTITUTION IS ILLEGAL State Statute 944.30 (Class A Misdemeanor) Punishable by Up to 9 Months Imprisonment And $\mathbf{\$ 1 0 . 0 0 0}$ in Fines ![img-9.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-9.jpeg) PROSTITUTION IS ILLEGAL This Area is Monitored by the Milwaukee Police Department ![img-10.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-10.jpeg) PROSTITUTION IS ILLEGAL If You Witness Acts of Prostitution Call The Milwaukee Police Department (414) 933-4444 ![img-11.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-11.jpeg) Figure 6: Business Owners Posting Anti-Prostitution Signs ![img-12.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-12.jpeg) Figure 7: The Dear John Letter # City of Milwaukee Edward A Flynn Police Department Chief of Police Date Owner Name Address City, State and Zip Dear Owner: The Milwaukee Police Department is currently involved in an extensive operation to abate the prostitution problem in Milwaukee Police District Three. There are three areas that have historically been the main thoroughfares for the prostitution trade in the district. As part of the operation the Milwaukee Police Department has been conducting surveillance, for the past several months, in the areas of Lisbon Avenue, North Avenue and the Avenues West neighborhood. In addition to police surveillance, a significant aspect of this operation includes citizen and business owner information about prostitution activities that they observe. The cooperation of those citizens, such as yourself, who frequent the areas and who are familiar with the neighborhoods is paramount to the operation's success. The Milwaukee Police Department would be interested in any information that you have regarding prostitution or any other illegal activities in our focus areas. If you have any information that would assist the Milwaukee Police Department's efforts to abate prostitution in these areas, please contact the District Three Community Prosecution Unit at $935-7232$. Thank-you, EDWARD A FLYNN CHIEF OF POLICE District Commanders Name District Commander District Three Figure 8: Community Intervention Project Curriculum # JOHN SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND CALENDAR - Class I - Safety and Legal Consequences - Class II - Prostitution and Health Risks - Class III - Restorative Justice: The Life of a Prostitute - Class IV - Restorative Justice: The Harm to the Community - Class V - Behavioral Change - Class VI - Corrective Thinking - Classes VII and VIII - Community Clean-Ups Figure 9: Milwaukee Prostitution Data 2009 to 2011 ![img-13.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/12-13_milwaukee_pd/img-13.jpeg) Figure 10: Local Media Coverage Stories and Internet Links # MPD officers target Lisbon Avenue for prostitution sweep Posted on: 5:20 pm, April 2, 2012, by Chip Brewster MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Police officers hit the streets Monday, April 2nd in a targeted effort to curb prostitution. Officers went door-to-door, hoping to change a neighborhood on Lisbon Avenue. Six blocks of Lisbon Avenue in Milwaukee got some extra attention Monday. Police say this is one of the areas that has been historically plagued by prostitution. Police went door-to-door, hoping to identify prostitutes and change behaviors. Over the past two years, police have changed their tactics from simply arresting prostitutes, to getting them into a self-help program. That program is called "Operation Red Light." Teig Whaley-Smith is part of the Washington Park Partners, described as a collaboration of residents, organizations and businesses working to make their community better. "We have a lot of youth organizations in the neighborhood and other businesses, and people who have their life savings invested here. We've seen a lot of young women that frankly are being taken advantage of by other people," Whaley-Smith said. The group has been strategizing with Milwaukee Police District 3 over the last year, to address area prostitution. "We have a very vigilant community that understand the role of Johns and the preying that they are doing in our neighborhood, and we are the first to report all those incidents," Whaley-Smith said. On days like Monday, police make sure their proactive efforts are very apparent. "Let the neighbors, let the stakeholders know we're engaged in the problem. Let the people who are coming down here to engage in these illegal acts know that the police are monitoring you. We are watching you, and we're not going to accept that this is the place where this is allowed to happen," Milwaukee Police Officer Stephen Witkowski said. This is the third time police have done a daylight sweep on Lisbon over the past year. They say they're targeting other areas in District 3 as well, and performing random nighttime sweeps. # New Approach Sends Prostitutes To Treatment, Not Jail ## Offenders Would Be Enrolled In 6-Month Program Jason Newton, WISN 12 News Anchor/ReporterPOSTED: 8:08 pm CDT August 17, 2011UPDATED: 11:29 am CDT August 18, 2011 MILWAUKEE -- For the past six months officers at Milwaukee's District Three headquarters have taken a new approach to prostitution cases. The women they arrest will have a choice: Go to jail or get some help. "The revolving door is just that for prostitution, or any type of crime. You go into the system, you come out of the system. We're trying to put something in the system to say there are other alternatives," said Officer Steve Witkowski. Two years ago, Witkowski and Assistant District Attorney Christopher Ladwig came up with an idea. They'd offer arrested prostitutes a chance at a normal life. "We're trying to stop behavior that is detrimental to these communities. Any way we can get to do that, we'll do it. We'll try it," said Ladwig. Offenders who take the offer would have to go to a six-month program known as the Sister's Project at Milwaukee's Benedict Center. "Six months isn't exactly the time it takes to change a life, but it's what it takes to get started," said Jeanne Geraci, executive director of the Benedict Center. "If we can get to the root of how they got there in the first place and help women deal with those issues, then we can more permanently help change their lives and move them in a move positive direction." According to the project's brochure, women are "offered the opportunity to develop an alternative crime-free lifestyle through programming, education, and trauma-based treatment." The women are given counseling, job training, treatment for addictions and other services. Benedict officials say it starts with gaining trust. If the women comply with the project, their tickets and fines are dismissed. If not, they'll face the charges made against them. Counselors said in the 37-year history of the Benedict Center, there are a wealth of success stories of women whose lives have been changed forever. "(One woman) decided it was an opportunity to reassess her life. She remained engaged with the program. And now, because she cleaned up, she's able to work with her case worker, work on job training. She's doing community service, she's mentoring in the community. But she's also building her life and moving forward," said Geraci. According to police, 60 women haven taken the offer to join the program. They report a little over half of the women will complete their stint in the program at the end of August. But they admit, that not everyone is prepared for such a drastic change in life. "The tickets that are being written, the cases that are being developed, if you're not going with the program, if you're not trying ... that case is waiting for you," said Witkowski. Case workers said regardless of the disposition of the offenders, they'll be there to help. "I don't think there's a single person on stage who will ever give up on a woman who comes through the program. It's about timing. If we can't engage in this moment, there is an opportunity to engage down the road," said Geraci. # ADDITIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE OF OPERATION RED LIGHT http://www.wisn.com/news/29666600/detail.html http://www.cbs58.com/news/local-news/Police-working-to-prevent-prostitution-132712968.html http://www.wisn.com/news/28898957/detail.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui9Nij7sjyE http://www.law.wisc.edu/law-in-action/alumni/cpu.html http://sohidistrict.blogspot.com/2009/11/operation-red-light.html http://www.benedictcenter.org/documents/Winter\ 2009\ 3\ color.pdf Milwaukee Police Department Chief Edward Flynn Assistant Chief James Harpole Inspector Edith Hudson Captain Michael Brunson Lieutenant Aimee Obregon Sgt Edward Peerenboom PO Scott Lesniewski PO Thomas Guthrie PO William Savagian PO Melissa Jones PO James Hunter PO Christopher McBride PO Jay Ehlers PO Philip Gagnon PO Hue Kong PO Jesse Groen PO Dennis Ryan PO Jaimie Hewitt PO Tara Ferguson Chief Christopher Domagalski (Sheboygan PD) Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office District Attorney John Chisholm Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Altenburg Assistant District Attorney / Community Prosecutor Christopher Ladwig Milwaukee City Attorney's Office Assistant City Attorney Jarely Ruiz Benedict Center Executive Director Jeanne Geraci Program Director Donna Hietpas Coordinator Meagan Winn Sisters Project Outreach Worker Shavon Pope Sisters Project Outreach Worker Genene Williams Sojourner Family Peace Center Domestic Violence Advocate Melissa Quistorf