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View Full Version : Florida police to monitor cars driving near prostitution areas



SR Only
10-19-13, 21:53
Just saw this. Thought we should know It's only time before they try it up here:

Florida police to monitor cars driving near prostitution areas Oct 16 2013
http://rt.com/usa/florida-monitor-driving-prostitution-areas-243/

Police in Florida have begun using surveillance methods to prevent prostitution by recording license plate information from cars that drive through areas frequented by sex workers and sending a letter to that individual’s home as a possible deterrent.

Starting this week, the Sanford Police Department - perhaps best known for its involvement in the recent George Zimmerman case - will employ a “Dear John” initiative to stop suspect “Johns” from hiring prostitutes. Automated license plate readers on patrol cars will be used to record suspects’ vehicles, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The ensuing letter will include a picture of the vehicle prowling the streets late at night with a close-up image of the license plate and include reminders about the potential for sexually transmitted diseases. Police spokeswoman Shannon Cordingly told reporters the effort will discourage prostitution “by stripping away the anonymity of the exchange” under the watchful eye of a veteran patrolman.

“We’re not going to be generating letters for every vehicle that drives by slow or circles,” Cordingly said. “Obviously, the officer has common sense to know this vehicle’s actually looking for a prostitute or they happen to be lost.”

Authorities speaking to the media seemed to assume that someone’s mere presence near illegal activity presumes their guilt.

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