News Release - Winnipeg Police Service

Friday, November 8, 2013     SERVICE INTRODUCES DEDICATED TWO-PERSON TEAM TO ADDRESS COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND SAFETY ISSUES RELATING TO SEX TRADE IN WINNIPEG   As part of our efforts to have a greater impact on curtailing the sex trade in our community, the Winnipeg Police Service is formally introducing a dedicated two-person team to work with the community in addressing sex trade related concerns, foster relationships with sex trade workers and promoting the development of trusting relationships between police, sex trade workers and community members.   The creation of this team is part of a larger effort to tackle these important issues through the creation of the Counter Exploitation Unit.   "I have had the opportunity to hear from the community regarding the sex trade and those being sexually exploited," said Chief Devon Clunis. "Certainly there is more we can do with respect to active enforcement, but the real opportunity here is for closer connections and co-operation with community stakeholders as we tackle this issue."   Based largely on what was previously known as the "Vice Unit" this nine-member unit focuses its efforts on: enforcement related to the sex trade in Winnipeg including street prostitution, underage prostitution, escorts and agencies common bawdy houses and massage parlours human trafficking Liquor Control Act offences, ticket scalping and illegal gaming Partnerships Essential In order to improve safety for people working in the sex trade, the Counter Exploitation Unit has partnered with a number of government and non-government agencies that are involved in assisting sex trade workers in exiting the sex trade. Members of the Counter Exploitation Unit are sensitive to the unique circumstances faced by many of the people being sexually exploited in our community. Both the RCMP and the WPS recognize the importance and value of multi-agency cooperation as a vital factor to the effectiveness and success of law enforcement efforts. We are continuously communicating and working together to meet mutual objectives.   Enforcement Update Beginning in June 2013, The Counter Exploitation Unit collaborated with District 3 and District 11 Community Support Units with their enforcement goals exclusively directed at the identification and apprehension of "exploiters," most commonly referred to as "johns" and other criminals who were exploiting vulnerable persons involved in the sex trade.     Between June and September of this year, these enforcement initiatives resulted in the arrest of 53 males for communicating for the purposes of engaging in prostitution. These arrests resulted in 34 vehicles being seized by officers. An additional 140 potential exploiters were identified and interviewed by officers patrolling in areas well known for prostitution activities.      The Counter Exploitation Unit and our Uniform Operational Divisions are committed to addressing community concerns related to the visible sex trade, working toward sustainable solutions and creating a culture of safety.   Everyone has a role to play in helping address this issue. If you have information regarding sex trade issues in your community, please contact the Counter Exploitation Unit at 204-986-3464. You can also fill out the online Prostitution Complaint Form by visiting the Winnipeg Police Service website at www.winnipeg.ca/police     For further information contact either: Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Constable Eric Hofley, Public Information Officer Detective Sergeant Natalie Aitken, Public Information Officer Phone: (204) 986-3061 | Fax: (204) 986-3267 | Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link:       Related Winnipeg Police Service Report a Crime Online Crime Stoppers CrimeStat Unsubscribe If you do not want to receive these emails anymore, unsubscribe. Please do not reply to this email. This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address and replies are not monitored. Mailing address: City of Winnipeg, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1B9 Privacy Statement The City of Winnipeg values your privacy. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. You are receiving this email as a result of your signing up for the Winnipeg Police Service Email News list offered on the City of Winnipeg website. You may unsubscribe or change your subscription options at any time.