Local Governments Going After Johns In Attempt To Stop Prostituton

If you want to pay for sex, you might find yourself revealed on the Web.

A Maine tourist town shaken up by authorities’ promises to reveal the identities of dozens of clients of a fitness instructor (pictured) accused of prostitution is just the latest place to enlist public shaming as a preventive measure.

Fresno, Calif., sponsors a website called “Operation Reveal” that features mug shots of suspected johns, while Oklahoma City has the vigilante-style “JohnTV.” In Arlington, Texas, a highway billboard declares “This could be you” under the picture of four suspects.

Interviews and surveys of officers at 200 police departments nationwide since 2008 found most consider targeting customers the best way to curb prostitution, because they fear publicity about the charges more than fines or even jail time. It continues a long-developing trend away from prosecuting the “supply” side – the prostitutes themselves – and targeting the demand.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.