In a recent crackdown on prostitution and potential human trafficking, the Stockton Police Department mobilized an operation on March 7, leading to multiple arrests in areas notorious for such illicit activities. The Stockton Police Department shared an update via a Facebook post detailing the operation which targeted the zones around Navy Dr/S Argonaut St and Sierra Nevada Street.

The operation involved seven traffic stops and led to 19 citations for prostitution-related violations under Stockton Municipal Codes, including seven for soliciting. One arrest was made for pimping. The zero-tolerance approach also included offering support services to those arrested, with two individuals accepting help to potentially leave their lifestyle behind, as reported by the Stockton Police Department.

Despite the department’s efforts to offer support, only two people accepted help from victim-witness representatives. The Stockton Police Department's initiative reflects a trend in policing that combines enforcement with rehabilitation options for those involved in selling sex.