Strip clubs help target pimps

[Raquel]

http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2011/01/25/17030961.html

MISSISSAUGA - Exotic dancers and other adult club workers in Peel Region will keep their eyes peeled for pimps trying to lure strippers into a life of prostitution.
Peel Regional Police have circulated mugshots of 30 of their most notorious pimps in nine strip clubs. “We are letting the clubs police themselves,” said Det. David Van Allen, of the force’s drugs and vice unit. “We have given them suggestions and ideas as part of a liability reduction strategy.”

In a related issue, he also alleged sex is taking place in the private VIP rooms at some clubs.

“The potential is there that someone may try to lure one of our dancers,” he said. “Police are saying known pimps may try to get them into prostitution.”

He said the list of suspects will be posted in an accessible place at all Southern Ontario clubs. Dancers will be trained on what to do when they spot a pimp.
“This will help open line of communication with the police,” Lambrinos said. “We are very happy that police have given us the proper tools to make the clubs safer.”

He is unsure the money-making VIP rooms can be lit any brighter as a way to deter sex acts from taking place.
“You can’t have a strip club with bright lights all lit up like a football game,” Lambrinos said. “Our customers want some confidentiality and privacy.”

 

[I Love Funnyjunk.com]

Nothing new there. This has been going on for years. Why all the attention to it now?.

 

[Nacci]

The Strip Club association has been more vocal of late, and complaints of masses of pimps in some west end clubs aren't exactly rare. The police and clubs would call this a win-win and some free PR.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Nothing better than free PR. Wait, free beer would be better .

 

[CurlyQ]

You forgot free pussy too

 

[Clare]

Thanks Pappa always knows best :.

 

[Kitt Shelby]

I thought that having legalized prostitution would put pimps out of business. At least the kind of pimps you see here in the states. Don't the women there feel comfortable going to the authorities if some guy tries to pimp them out?

 

[Becky Sue!!]

I guess they don't.

 

[The Hand That Feeds]

As shitty as it sounds, most police view escorts and prostitutes as scum and treat them as such. Hence why many women are afraid to go to them for help. It won't only require education of the general population, but education of the police as well.

You can just tell by the way the sting operations are commited to see their general disdain for this business. Instead of busting everyone involved, they should refer all parties to mandatory counselling if they feel that strongly about it.

I know someone who was stopped by the police and hassled because of the large amount of coin and condoms in her purse. They said "you're a prostitute" and gave her a hard time of it. If I was her I would have said "yeah, so? being an ESCORT is no more illegal than you drinking beer after work. if you have a problem with that, take it up with your MPP...."

(I hope she doesn't mind me posting this but I thought it'd be a good example of why many women don't go to the police for assistance).

Now I think this is a good place to make the distinction between "pimp" and agency. Let's not us lump the two together because they are NOT the same thing at all. While they both do a similar job, they do it completely differently. With agencies, the lady keeps the lion's share of the "donation", with pimps, the lady is lucky to see any of it.

I hope the authorities realize the difference.

(I know a couple of agencies where they don't have to go looking, the ladies contact THEM looking into getting into the biz so.....)