14 people arrested in Ottawa prostitution sweep

In an on-going effort to deal with community identified prostitution and prostitution related problems, the Ottawa Police Service conducted a two day prostitution sweep in Centertown on July 12 and July 13, 2010.

A total of 14 people, 12 “Johns/men” and two women, were arrested. Eight of the males qualified for the Pre-charge diversion program, which includes attending “John” School. “John School” is a project, which uses a restorative justice approach to the effects of prostitution within our communities and focuses on education.

The remaining six people were charged with a variety of offenses including Communicating for the purpose of prostitution, Drug possession, and Mischief. One male was also charged with Careless driving. A total of 16 criminal charges and one provincial charge were laid.

The Ottawa Police Service conducts prostitution sweeps throughout the year and will continue to make this a priority when developing enforcement strategies