New VPD guidelines focus on the safety of sex trade workers
Posted February 28, 2013 2:41 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The Vancouver Police Department will continue to respond to sex trade ‘nuisance’ calls, despite new guidelines that put the emphasis on the safety of sex trade workers.
Police are planning a gentler approach to preventing violence, under a new policy that has been rolled out in recent weeks, according to Mayor Gregor Robertson.
“The VPD has been singled out as being ahead of the curve and a real model for the way that policing and the sex trade deal with each other,” he says.
According to the plan, sex work involving consenting adults is not an enforcement priority.
Police say they will continue to respond to community complaints, but with particular attention to the safety of the sex worker.
In a written statement to News1130, police say they want to avoid increasing the dangers faced by sex workers.
“Therefore, where there are nuisance related complaints against sex workers, alternative measures and assistance will be considered with enforcement a last resort,” explains Cst. Brian Montague.
Police will discuss options that avoid residential neighbourhoods, parks, and schools.
