The Seattle Police Department has been actively dispatching officers to the Aurora Avenue North area, not just to patrol, but to snap photos of license plates that belong to vehicles allegedly involved in activities with suspected sex workers. This novel approach is part of a broader push by the department to confront the issue of sexual exploitation in the city.
In what could seem as an unconventional move, the SPD has begun to directly mail warnings to the owners of these photographed vehicles. According to the SPD Blotter, detectives from the Human Trafficking Unit have taken to not only to inform individuals of their vehicles' suspected misdeeds but also to provide them with photographic evidence. Since October, over 40 warning letters have made their way to various mailboxes, aiming to dissuade vehicle owners from potentially contributing to a disturbing trade.
"Sex trafficking is one of the most horrific crimes that our community is fighting, not only along Aurora Avenue North but also in strip clubs and hotels across Seattle," Chief Shon Barnes was quoted on the SPD Blotter. The letters are a part of the department's efforts to raise awareness and prevent prostitution and sexual exploitation. Despite being just a warning, the letters carry the weight of the law with them, reminding vehicle owners of the suspected crimes.
Throughout October and November, the campaign steadily sent out respective batches of 21 and 20 letters. This initiative seems to be a clear message that the police are keen to watch, document and act to discourage individuals from contributing to the exploitation of vulnerable populations. According to the same SPD blog post, Chief Shon Barnes expressed pride in the detective's work to "discourage buyers from exploiting vulnerable people." With the documentation and warnings now in real terms, the campaign continues to demonstrate the SPD's commitment to addressing and curbing sex trafficking in the city.
