East PDX News

Street Sex: Part 2 Prostitution flourishes in outer East Portland

Is “street sex” truly as rampant as neighbors claim? See what we learned from riding with cops – and the impact of Portland City Council allowing the Prostitution-free Zone ordinance to expire …

Driving up NE Sandy Blvd. officers spot Gina outside of a tavern near the corner of NE Prescott. Street. “She was excluded from this area last week; we need to talk with her,” Officer Sparling says.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In the first installment of this series Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs described how officers use Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) and Drug-free Zone (DFZ) ordinances. (CLICK HERE to read Street Sex: Part 1)

However, at midnight on September 30, the Portland’s PFZ and DFZ ordinances will – as Mayor Tom Potter and the Portland City Council members characterize it – “sunset”.

But the term “sunset” is just a nice way of saying the city fathers are taking away a valuable policing tool by letting it die, neighbors and business people in outer East Portland tell us.

Also in last week’s installment, neighbors told their horror stories about going on “condom and needle patrol” every morning.

On prostitution patrol
To find out of neighbors and businesses along NE Sandy Blvd. and 82nd Ave. of Roses are blowing what they call the “prostitution problem” out of proportion, we ride along with Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers Lacey Sparling and Heath Kula, late on a Saturday afternoon.

Sparling and Kula are assigned to operate a “prostitution mission”. Their assignment is arresting prostitutes and customers – and taking into custody prostitutes who are violating their police order excluding them from the PFZ.

As we ride to the patrol zone, Kula notes they’ve made more than 80 arrests during their mission.

Sparling shows us a thick stack of papers listing individuals who, under the PFZ ordinance, have been forbidden to tread 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Sandy Blvd. – except to conduct legitimate business.

“By now,” Sparling adds, “We recognized most of the girls we’ve excluded. In a couple of weeks, we’ve gone from half a page, to over four pages of exclusion listings. We’re going out looking out for the regular girls.”

Prostitutes solicit in broad daylight
Although we ride in a fully-equipped – but totally unmarked – patrol car, officers don’t have to hide in the bushes or sneak around corners.

Even those prostitutes who have been excluded from “working” an area stand and walk brazenly in the afternoon sun, soliciting business. Our first contact comes minutes after we go on patrol.

In Parkrose, Gina talks with officers, trying to explain why she’s hanging around an area from which she’s been officially excluded.

“Camper” on Sandy Blvd.
At NE Sandy Blvd. and NE Prescott Street, the officers spot familiar faces. They pull into the parking lot of a popular watering hole.

The young woman, Gina, doesn’t notice as we pull up; her boyfriend wanders off, leaving Gina to talk with police. Gina heads back into the bar – but the establishment’s manager meets her at the door and tells her, “You’re still working; you’re not welcome in here. Don’t come back.”

Sparling says the couple claims their car broke down when they were visiting Portland a few weeks ago from Eugene and they don’t have money to fix it. Currently, they’re “camping” in a wooded area on the border of The Grotto.

They ask Gina if she has any drugs or money with her. She says she doesn’t do drugs, and “my stupid boyfriend takes the money. Every cent I get, he takes it all”.

Gina was originally arrested for flagging down a car and getting in, ostensibly, for sex. She tells officers she doesn’t actually perform a sex act. “I tell them we’ll do something, but I take their money and run away,” Gina reminds officers.

Kula asks, “When you get $50 or $100, why don’t you just take the bus back to Eugene?”

Gina starts crying and blurts out, “I don’t know. I’ve got to help my boyfriend. He handles the money.”

Officer Sparling takes Gina in custody. The suspect will be taken to the Portland Justice Center for booking, then she’ll be released.

Gina doesn’t implicate her boyfriend, who has now moved west, across NE Prescott St., and is leaning up against the Ace Tavern. He looks unconcerned that his “girlfriend” is being handcuffed and taken to jail.

The first time they arrested Gina, Sparling says, as we drive away, she was an attractive young lady. “Now, only weeks later, she looks to be in her late 30s. This life really ages them.”

It takes nearly an hour to fill in four forms during the arrest. “All of the paperwork is necessary. As police, we’re trained to accurately document the arrest.”

Officers see Loretta “on the stroll” – trying to flag down a potential customer along SE 82nd Ave. of Roses – directly across the street from Vestal Elementary School.

Along the 82nd Ave. of Roses “stroll”
Driving along NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, officers spot another subject. The woman appears to be “on the stroll” – a street phrase meaning a prostitute is seeking business.

“Isn’t that Loretta?” Kula asks

Sparling checks the sheet and photo gallery she holds. “Yes. This gal, after we arrested her, she was working out here [again] eight hours later,” she comments. “Her PFZ exclusion is still active.”

“She can be in the PFZ exclusion zone for services, food, shopping and medical attention,” Kula explains. “We must have ‘probable cause’ that she is violating her variance.”

Officers pull into a parking lot. Loretta pauses by a bus stop, but doesn’t get on board. She loiters, and walks slowly.

“Look, she’s waving at passing cars right now,” Kula points out.

Expressing her displeasure for being interrupted during her Saturday afternoon stroll, Loretta tries to explain why she’s violating her PFZ exclusion order.

Loretta looks at first angry, then frustrated as the officers get out of the car at 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Everett St, right across the street from Vestal Grade School. She recognizes the officers, saying, “You two again!”

It takes the officers about 45 minutes to fill in a sheaf of paperwork, including an inventory of personal property. A patrol officer takes Loretta to jail for processing.

The value of prostitution missions
Because they’re often back on the street – sometimes within the same day – we ask officers if such prostitution missions really do any good.

“The neighbors say we are helping. And, we’ve arrested a couple of guys who are dangerous – or at least scary,” Sparling says. “We got them off the streets, at least for a while. And, when we send a gal to jail, we may have saved her from an assault, at the very least. There are creeps who prey on these gals.”

Sparling tells of a runaway 17-year-old who almost immediately got hooked up with a pimp. “The guy was a registered sex offender, had a record of rape and prior ‘compelling’ [coercing women into prostitution] cases against him. It felt good to get her away from this guy.”

Tries to “date” officer on patrol
Asked if the problem of street prostitution is as bad as it appears, Kula tells of a time when a prostitute came up to their unmarked patrol car.

“We weren’t trying to pick her up. We were watching a decoy [undercover officer] working a mission. She came up to the car and made a ‘date’ [offer to have sex for money] with me through the passenger window. She didn’t see that the sergeant and I were in uniform. She opened the door and got in the back seat! She jumped out, but we arrested her.”

Sparling adds, “Last week, another girl was about to get in our car. She jumps back and says, ‘Oh, never mind.’ We told her, No, there is no ‘never mind’.”

After refusing to acknowledge that she’s been read, and understands, her rights, Officer Sparling takes Lynae into custody on a Parkrose side street.

Flagging ’em down on Sandy
As we head northeast on Sandy Boulevard, officers point out a woman waving to cars at NE 104th Ave. at the Pacific Pride gas station. There’s nothing covert about her behavior.

We watch as a car slows down. The woman points, indicating the driver should go south on NE 114th Avenue. We pull into the gas station and watch her get into the car.

Kula follows the car; it goes north on NE Wygant Street. Kula turns on the red and blue lights and hits the siren.

“Look at the two of them talk,” Sparling points out. “They’re trying to get a story together to explain away what they’re doing.”

After the car turns north on SE 112rd Avenue, it pulls to a stop. Sparling gets the woman out of the car, Kula talks to the driver, a man who shows him ID with a Salem address.

Says they’re “going to get a taco”
The suspected “john” admits to Kula that he’d never met the woman before. “But he told me they were just heading out to get a taco,” reports Kula. “I ask if it seems odd that he’s going for tacos with a stranger he just picked up. He says the gal was going to take him somewhere to get a taco.”

As Sparling tries to take the woman, Lynae, in custody, the subject becomes very verbal. She appears to be very intoxicated; Lynae was holding a plastic cup half full of a liquid that appears to be a mixture of cola and liquor.

Sparling recites the Miranda Rights to her three times; each time, the woman says she doesn’t understand her rights.

Lynae tells Sparling that she owns a shop at NE 112th Avenue and NE Sandy Boulevard, and that a girlfriend arranged to have a friend – whom she didn’t know – give her a ride, to “somewhere“.

Sparling responds, “I can’t discuss this with you; you won’t acknowledge your rights; we have nothing further to talk about. You’re going to jail.” Even while sitting in the back of a patrol car, Lynae is very animated. She talks, shouts, hoots, and screams, as she bobs back and forth in the seat.

As Lynae’s “new friend” stammers out stories that don’t make sense, Officer Kula prepares him for a ride to jail.

The suspected john, now standing with Kula, is told he’s about to ride to jail with his new “friend” – who continues to shriek and curse at, and to, all who face her direction.

His fate becoming clearer, the man now becomes more candid with Kula, and admits he saw her flagging him down, and that the woman offered sexual services when she got in his car.

As Kula takes his handcuffs off, he warns the man, “We have a good memory for faces, and we’re keeping your name in our notes. If we ever see you here, looking for sex, you’re going to jail and your car will be impounded.”

The man looks pale and shaken as he slowly walks back to his car.

“He has no criminal record,” Kula tells us. “We were able to observe the woman’s behavior, specifically, soliciting him. It is very difficult for prosecutors to make a case against a suspected customer.”

Praise from neighbors
A neighbor leans out the window of his home and thanks the officers, saying, “Hey, we really appreciate it. It’s gotten really bad around here.”

Sparling comments, “It isn’t unusual for neighbors to come out and thank us. They say they’re tired of prostitutes working on their street and the undesirable traffic it brings. They’re tired of cleaning up the condoms and needles.”

Kula adds, “Although it may not seem like we’re having an effect; but I think we are helping improve the livability of the community.”

Next week:
It looks as if PFZ and DFZ ordinances are certain to expire without hope of a reprieve. What do politicians, neighbors and cops have to say about the situation?

Read STREET SEX: Part 3 – Life after Prostitution-free Zones right here, next week.

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Street Sex: Part 3 Life after Prostitution-free Zones

Will NE Sandy Boulevard and 82nd Avenue of Roses be “open-for-protection” zones, now that the city ordinance restraining sex-on-the-street has expired? See what the cops say – and what some neighbors are doing about the situation …

Statistics show that primarily Caucasians are arrested for prostitution, such as the accused woman shown here, talking with Officer Lacey Sparling before the woman was sent downtown for booking.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In areas of outer East Portland where street prostitution flourishes, neighbors and business people say they’re astonished and dismayed that the Portland City Council allowed Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) and Drug-free Zone (DFZ) ordinances expire – without even a hearing.

In addition to saying the “laws have not been effective”, Mayor Tom Potter also stateed that he was concerned because “data indicates a disparity in how the Drug Free Zone law has been enforced.”

A lengthy press release from the Mayor’s office, says that Mayor Potter commissioned Campbell DeLong Resources Inc. to conduct an independent analysis of how the law was being enforced, and whether it unfairly targeted minorities. The report’s summary: “… enforcement [is] focused on the poor and minorities — especially African Americans.”

Prostitution statistics: Mainly Caucasians arrested
Last week, we asked John Campbell, Campbell DeLong Resources Inc., if his study included statistics regarding Prostitution-free Zone enforcement.

“Our study was regarding Drug-free Zones,” Campbell tells us, “There was some discussion about Prostitution-free Zones. It was not assigned as a project.”

Official Portland Police Bureau statistics show that in 314 total PFZ arrests, 173 persons arrested were classified as “White”; 141 persons arrested were classified “non-White” – a category consisting of Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian persons.

Valerie Curry, Argay Neighborhood Association chair introduces a meeting of citizens who say they’re struggling to rid their neighborhoods of prostitution and drug dealing.

Beyond Exclusion Zones
As the ordinances expired, some neighbors got angry. Other neighbors got busy.

The Argay Neighborhood Association, chaired by Valerie Curry, organized a special meeting, open to everyone living and working in the affected area, on Saturday, September 29.

We were surprised to discover one of her guest speakers was John Campbell, the person who headed the Mayor’s race-disparity DFZ study. “The fact is, the PFZ and DFZ ordinances have expired. We can spend our time together complaining about it, or, decide what actions to take,” Campbell began.

John Campbell tells a group of neighbors in outer East Portland about how he combated crime in his North Portland neighborhood.

Started as community activist
Campbell told the group of 72 people assembled at Portland Fire & Rescue’s Station 2 that he got “fed up” with drug houses on his NE Portland street during the 1980s.

After leading a neighborhood effort to clean up his block – during which two of his cars were blown up in front of his house – Campbell says he started developing citizen involvement training programs. He went on to develop nuisance abatement manuals and rental property landlord trainings addressing drug issues.

“The [United States] Constitution says we don’t want police raiding homes based on one complaint,” Campbell states. “This was the beginning of my education. It takes steps, taken by many neighbors, to solve problems.

“At first, people try to prove ‘the system’ doesn’t work. We get mad and say we need new mayor, new city counselors, or a new police chief.

“But eventually, some neighbors come to the realization that the ‘cavalry isn’t coming over the hill’ to fix [their problems]. They then realize that they are in charge of their destiny. I call it ’empowerment through resentment’!”

After a neighbor, or group of neighbors, realize they are “in charge”, Campbell explains, it takes more than “table pounding at neighborhood association meetings” to get things done. “It takes leadership of others.”

Campbell writes a list of neighborhood issues suggested by the meeting’s attendees.

Steps toward neighborhood change
“Neighborhoods don’t solve problems like the ones you face, overnight,” stated Campbell. “There is no solution that will solve their problems within a week. I can offer you some steps to help change. It takes dedication to make it work. There is no magic fix.”

Campbell’s list of suggestions include:

Work with landlords to improve their facilities and tenants. “Don’t assume the landlord is evil. They usually want good tenants and happy neighbors.”
Report all crime. “Don’t think someone else called the police.”
Remove graffiti immediately. “Leaving it up says, ‘It is OK to do it here.’ Catching them comes second; clean it up first.”
Take away the opportunity for crime. “Don’t leave anything of value in your car and lock it. Keep your porch lights on all night long.”
Know your neighbors. “How many neighbors’ phone numbers do you have? If you don’t know your neighbors, it isn’t George Bush’s fault.”

Suggests unique neighborhood patrol
To combat street crime, like prostitution, Campbell suggests that neighbors begin a “foot patrol”.

While Campbell’s suggestions for fighting crime apply to theft and vandalism, neighbors ask how, specifically, they can combat prostitution.

“In Portland’s Overlook area, we felt uncomfortable with the ‘Junior Cop’ model – you know with orange jackets and walkie-talkies. Instead, we formed the ‘Neighborhood Garbage Patrol’. We wore t-shirts and walked the streets with garbage bags. It didn’t take long for neighbors to come out, talk and then walk with us.”

Crime reduction through environmental change
Returning to the topic of prostitution, Campbell says it takes three elements:

“You need a perpetrator with intent, a place where the crime can take place, and a victim. I call it ravenous wolves, sitting ducks, and dens of iniquity.

“We can arrest the prostitute, but we haven’t changed the situation that allows her to work there. How can we change the environment? This is the problem to solve,” Campbell says.

Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct Lt. Kevin Modica tells the group, “Call me. Communicate with me. Here’s my phone number …”

Law enforcement without PFZ and DFZ ordinances
Present and listening during the meeting is Lt. Kevin Modica, a 22 year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau.

The first thing Modica does, when he’s asked to speak, is to give out his cell phone number. “Communicate with me. I’m not going to get grumpy. We’ve been made aware it is an issue, more than ever before.”

Modica tells the group that the Police Bureau is dedicated to enforce the law. “We’ll engage all law enforcement techniques we have at our disposal. And, we’ll measure the results of our efforts and adjust our strategies.”

Modica describes the enormity of the “cycle of prostitution” as he puts it.

However, the lieutenant warns, “The cycle of arrest, release and rehabilitation doesn’t always cure the problem. We’re dealing with an ingrained, systemic problem. I’m not going to make idle promises on a Saturday afternoon. But, we are developing a strategy.”

Writing down license plates of customers, and descriptions of prostitutes who frequent their neighborhood helps, Modica says.

“All laws are an infringement of liberty,” Modica explains. “Every time we stop somebody, we’re infringing on their liberty. We need to make sure we’re talking to the ‘right’ person. We need to know we’re charging into the ‘right’ house.”

Police officers efforts supported by the Commander
The PFZ was a good tool,” Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs told us a few days ago. “Now, we have one less tool in our ‘toolbox’. But, we, as a bureau, will continue to enforce laws.”

Crebs says police are developing a specific program to combat street prostitution — the results of which will be evaluated every 30 days.

Asking for help from the community, Crebs says, “If you see a drug or prostitution activity, you must call the police so we can respond. Even if an officer can’t arrive on scene immediately, we will check the area.”

Crebs reminds us that all “calls for service” are documented. “These call records help us identify crime trends. The more calls received, service calls received for a type determines how police resources are allocated.”

Next week:
Is prostitution a “real” crime? We ask the District Attorney’s office to talk how vigorously they prosecute street-level prostitution – and why.

Read STREET SEX: Part 4 – The Prosecution Rests …Or, Does It? right here, next week.

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STREET SEX: Part 4 The Prosecution Rests … Or, Does It?

Is the crime of prostitution really prosecuted in Portland – or is it just “winked at”, and not pursued in court? You’ll get the straight answers right here …

When an individual is arrested for prostitution, either selling sex or being the customer, their first stop is here: the Justice Center in downtown Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
So far in this series, we’ve documented how street-level prostitution affects the quality of life for those living and working along 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Sandy Boulevard.

We’ve shown you how law enforcement has used the now-expired Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) ordinance – and good, solid policing techniques – to mitigate the problem, by arresting as many street-sex customers and vendors as possible.

And, you’ve seen how, since the demise of the PFZ ordinance, business people and neighbors affected by prostitution have been told to organize and be vigilant against the crime, by reporting activity and organizing neighborhood watches.

Is prostitution really prosecuted?
As we gather news in the community, citizens have commented to us that it seems street-sex crimes aren’t vigorously prosecuted.

To find if that is true, we approach the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office, and are directed to two top-level deputy district attorneys who speak candidly about how prostitution cases go through the court system.

Gateway into the legal system
We first speak with Wayne Pearson, Senior Deputy District Attorney, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. He’s a 35-year veteran of the DA’s office; our research shows he’s nationally-known for his contributions to community law studies and reports.

Pearson tells us that his section of the DA’s office handles incoming misdemeanor cases “not involving domestic violence”. These are cases involving charges of DWII, misdemeanor assault, resisting arrest, and – yes – prostitution.

We ask if cases involving prostitution are prosecuted with the same vigor as other cases.

“Our function is to prosecute the all cases that come into our office,” Pearson states. “All of them.”

Through the legal system
A prostitution case comes into their office after a police officer investigates a situation that appears to be involved in prostitution, makes an arrest, and writes a report.

The prostitution suspect is then booked into jail, and appears in court the following day.

Pearson says the police officers’ reports go to the District Attorney’s office for review.

If the facts of the case are, Pearson says, “beyond a reasonable doubt” that that the individual has committed prostitution or related crime, a formal complaint is filed with the court.

However, if the facts presented in the report fail to meet the “reasonable doubt” test, the case is returned to law enforcement, with appropriate instructions; usually a request for more – or more detailed – information.

People arrested for engaging in prostitution usually appear for arraignment at a courtroom located in the Justice Center.

First day in court
On the day the alleged prostitute makes the appearance in court, the defendant is served with a copy of the complaint, and arraigned.

“From here, the case can go in many different directions,” Pearson reports. “The defendant either pleads guilty and gets sentenced, or pleads not guilty and requests a trial.”

Frequently, when the defendant is charged with more than one offence, they plead guilty.

“The cases that go to trial are where the defense attorney feels there are solid, litigable issues,” Pearson says.

If the defendant pleads guilty, or is convicted in a trial, he or she is sentenced by the court.

Affected neighbors irked by “revolving door justice”
We tell Pearson that neighbors – especially those who live in areas with high rates of street prostitution – say they are frustrated about seeing the effects this kind of activity on their street.

“When the rule of law seems to have lost its meaning, I can see why they’d say they are frustrated,” responds Pearson. “Until a misdemeanor affects an individual, it probably doesn’t get a lot of thought by the average citizen.”

Pearson reminds us that, since the early 1970s, police have arrested both the prostitute and their customer. The DA’s office prosecutes the cases. Judges pass sentences. “A good question to consider is ‘why is prostitution still there, in those neighborhoods; ie, what facilitates the street side prostitution at a specific location?‘”

Many trials take place here, at the Multnomah County Courthouse.

Order in the court
To learn more about prostitution cases that go to trial, Pearson suggests we talk with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Chief Deputy in Charge of Misdemeanors, Fred Lenzser.

Sharing his experience prosecuting prostitution cases, Lenzser speaks candidly about cases that do go to trial court.

“First, most of the cases ‘plead out’ – that is, they plead guilty; the judge sentences the individual,” Lenzser says.

Appearance of innocence impedes prosecution
We ask, “What are the major impediments to successfully prosecuting a prostitution case in front of a jury?”

“Precursors to the act [of soliciting prostitution] may look innocent. The accused may be standing at the bus stop, walking up and down the street. It may look innocuous,” begins Lenzser.

“Using the information we have from the police reports, we have to recreate the scene for the jurors with the evidence we have. We have to get jury members to understand exactly what is happening.”

The reason for this, Lenzser tells us, is that of jurors may not be familiar with the street prostitution environment. “People tend to process situations based upon their own experiences. If they haven’t processed a concept, it is hard for them to believe.”

This is important, he says, especially when the accused tells the court they were just walking to a bar, waiting for a bus, or waving to a friend – a friend who stops on a busy street, rolls down their window, and talks with them before they hop in the car. “They can come up with semi plausible excuses,” he adds.

‘Sympathy factor’ helps johns
Another factor when prosecuting a case against customers of prostitution, comments Lenzser, “is the sympathy factor. “If the ‘john’ has a criminal record [especially for repeat prostitution offences], his background can’t be brought up at the hearing.

“The jury does hear how the ‘john’ holds a job, supports his family, has a great wife and goes to church. [This kind of testimony makes] it hard to believe that the individual was really doing what they were accused of doing. It’s like a Driving While Intoxicated case; most everyone has had a drink or two before driving. They give the drunk driver the benefit of a doubt.”

Prostitution: Illegal, or ‘between consenting adults’?
We ask Lenzser if jury members typically consider prostitution to be a crime.

“There are a lot of people who say, because the act is between consenting adults, they don’t see the act of prostitution as a real crime. If their minds are made up, they are excused as potential jurors,” explains Lenzser. “For those who are undecided, we ask the jurors to make decision on a particular case based on the law, not their opinion.”

Unless a person has been negatively affected by street-level prostitution, they may feel sympathy for the accused prostitute or john, officials say.

Successful at prosecutions
Quizzed about their conviction rate in prostitution cases, Lenzser reminds us that most cases don’t get tried; they are resolved by a plea.

“Cases go to trial because there are ‘tryable’ issues presented,” he adds. “We don’t keep statistics, but I’d say I’d say we win more than we lose.”

Conviction doesn’t always mean a harsh sentence
When an individual is convicted of prostitution at their trial, he or she isn’t immediately hauled off to jail – even though the prosecuting attorney may have presented a buttoned-down case, we learn.

“Sentencing is up to the judge,” Lenzser tells us. “And, the judges have a wide range of possible sentences they may hand down.”

One of the considerations is the number of jail beds available. “With jail-bed space limited, judges have to consider community safety priorities.”

A prostitute who has been arrested, or convicted, several times for selling sex, may get jail time.

But, street-sex customers, especially the ones arrested for the first time and who have no records, typically walk free, Lenzser notes. “Most ‘truly first time’ offenders are likely to get a fine, probation, or community service.”

Solving the prostitution problem
If juries tend to consider prostitution customers to be “sympathetic characters” and judges don’t “throw the book” at them…if there isn’t room to lock up repeat offending prostitutes…how can the impact that sex sold on the streets be lessened, in affected neighborhoods?

Thus, the question that DA Pearson raises, ‘Why is prostitution still here?’ appears to be right on target.

In our next installment …
Our city’s officials claim that “enhanced treatment” is the solution to our city’s vice problems.

We’re digging to find out exactly what kind of treatment is being administered. Be sure to look for STREET SEX: Part 5 – Treating prostitution problems … or its symptoms?

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STREET SEX: Part 5 In search of prostitute rehabilitation

Why has it taken a month to present the story about how street prostitutes are helped to escape ‘the life’? You may be as surprised as we are by the answer …

Under the Portland’s “Project 57”, when a street prostitute is arrested, they go to jail – but not for long. They stay only until their arraigned or bailed out.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although popular with affected residents and business owners, both Mayor Tom Potter and Commissioner Randy Leonard say the Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) and Drug-free Zone ordinances were ineffective and unfair.

“I haven’t been in favor of the ordinances,” Leonard tells us after the ordinances expired. “Even if they are constitutional, I don’t think they solve the problem. When we designate an area to be an exclusion zone, prostitutes move to another area.”

A better idea is to provide treatment, Leonard says. “Our Project 57, in which we rent 57 jail beds from the county to hold chronic offenders, has reduced recidivism among the top 300 repeat offenders by 71%.

Project 57 primer
“Project 57” was established to keep crime offenders, who pose the greatest threat to public safety, in jail.

Prior to Project 57, those arrested, were given citations-in-lieu of custody (not unlike a traffic ticket), released, and then expected to appear voluntarily for their scheduled court appearances.

A disproportionate percentage of those arrested failed to show up in court for their arraignment. The benefit of the new program, officials say, is that under Project 57, those arrested stay in jail until they are “recoged” (released on their own recognizance), or bailed out (by a bail bondsman) of jail.

Also, as a joint Portland/Multnomah County “Quick Facts” report, dated June 2007, says, “those who actually appear in Court for their arraignment have a greater likelihood of making subsequent appearances to complete adjudication of their charges and begin benefiting from whatever rehab services that may be available within the court system.”

While treatment while in jail may help prostitutes change their lives, they often are back on the street within 24 hours.

A third benefit, the report says, that “Immediate incarceration upon arrest, even for short periods of time, creates a disruption in an offender’s criminal behavior that COULD deter the arrestee from future criminal activity.”

Little jail time served
Because it is judges who sentence those who are arrested to jail, not the police, the police say street-level prostitutes spend very little time in jail when they are arrested.

“Anyone arrested [for a Project 57 offence] is taken to the Portland Justice Center for booking,” says Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs. “They are ‘in jail’ as long as it takes them to be booked, and make bail. If they can’t make bail, they are held until their arraignment. Practically speaking, it can be from about eight hours to a couple of days before they are released.”

Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler agrees that specific treatment for prostitutes is a good idea.

In search of treatment
Multnomah County – not the City of Portland – is in charge of administering all treatment and rehabilitation programs.

Before a recent public meeting, we ask Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler if the county provides rehabilitation or treatment services for prostitutes.

“As far as I know,” Wheeler says, “there are no services specifically targeted toward prostitutes for alcohol and drug treatment. This is a serious issue; it seems like a gap in the services we provide to the community.”

We suggest that many prostituted women have “pimp problems” that overshadow their drug problems.

“I couldn’t agree with you more,” Wheeler responds. “For a long time, we’ve looked at prostitution solely as a public safety issue. There is no question in my mind that people engaged in prostitution are also victims in their own way. There is an affirmative obligation for the community to reach out to them and help them see a better way.”

Multnomah County Mental Health and Addiction Services Division director Karl Brimner says his department is looking into what services may be provided for prostitutes.

Top treatment director speaks
Chair Wheeler suggests we contact the Multnomah County Mental Health and Addiction Services Division to learn more. After a telephone introduction, the division’s director, Karl Brimner, M.Ed., agrees to meet with us.

“Since we’ve talked on the phone, I’ve talked with my staff,” begins Brimner. “The county certainly offers mental health services to everyone. Adults, kids, families, whatever the need may be.

“When we are talking about situations related to prostitution, there are a number of variables into why women are involved. And, it is predominantly women who are involved.”

The division director says that when women call in and ask about something more specific than just some of the mental health services, they are directed to agencies – some not funded by the county – that provide services to individuals who may be involved sexual situations, including prostitution.

Little treatment while in jail
We ask if inmates are required to undergo any kind of treatment while in jail.

Brimner replies, “There may be some treatment available for people while they’re in jail, but most of the programs are after the discharge. It might be outpatient services or residential services.”

He adds that judges frequently make this treatment a condition of release, particularly if they are going on probation.

We ask, “When women who are convicted of prostitution go to jail, they are typically in the grips of their pimp. How might we help them break that control – break the cycle?”

Brimner replies, “It does get back to similar areas to domestic violence; the cycles that occur there in unhealthy relationships. Where domestic violence is part of the problem, there are services available.

“If a woman has been arrested for prostitution and has identified some areas, like domestic violence, or alcohol and drugs, or wants to see a mental health counselor – these can all be conditions of release as well. This would help the person deal with the problem, so they’re not recycling back into the criminal justice system.”

County treatment division director Karl Brimner says there is little treatment – of any kind – available to jailed drug addicts or prostitutes.

Hard questions; few answers
We learn there isn’t a specific program in which a judge can say, “As part of your conditions of release, you will take and complete the prostitution aversion program”.

From interviews we’ve had with organizations now disbanded, we tell Brimner it seems unlikely that a prostituted woman will take action to seek help.

Because most prostituted women are enmeshed in their domestic situation, we continue, they’re too afraid, or too strung out on drugs or alcohol, to call and ask for help.

We add that professionals have told us that jailing prostitutes may help them escape “the life” – not as punishment, but giving them a “time out” to think about their lives and situations. Jail gets them away from their pimp, drug dealer or both.

We get to our question: “How can we connect prostituted persons with helpful programs – when they are in jail – to give them the opportunity to make a choice without pressure from their pimp?”

“That is a good point, David,” Brimner responds. “One of the things we’ve talked about, among our staff members in the last few days, is that I want to make sure the folks in jail who deal with mental health issues are aware of the programs that are available. A woman serving some jail time has the opportunity to think about potential options and get the support to do that.

“We know that when folks are leaving the jail setting it isn’t always easy for them to pick up the phone and make the call for help. If there could be some kind of intervention as part of the discharge process it would be important. Or, maybe providing available service contact information would be helpful where appropriate.”

Good help is hard to find
In closing, Brimner gives us a list of three organizations that work with prostituted women.

“One is New Options for Women. It is counseling and assistance services for women and girls involved in a variety of aspects of the industry, including prostitution.”

When we called New Options, we learn the program lost its funding from Multnomah County during the summer, and has disbanded.

“Another is called Rehab Sisters,” Brimner states. “It is involved in counseling and support for those who work in the ‘sex industry’.”

Rehab Sisters’ telephone number has been disconnected; there is no new number. Through extensive Internet and directory searches, we find no listing for this organization.

“The third is Sex Worker Outreach, run through the Portland Women’s Crisis Helpline.”

When we contacted them, we’re told that they don’t operate a rehabilitation program; they run a crisis-referral service. However, the person in charge Sex Worker Outreach has not returned our calls.

Taking on the responsibility; putting it nowhere
While PFZ and DFZ ordinances put a bandage on the neighborhood-impacting symptoms of the problem by allowing police to exclude street sex vendors – we agree that the laws do not solve the problem.

We agree that taking habitual offenders off the street and jailing them under Program 57 is a good idea – but police say they’re back on the street as soon as they make bail or are arraigned.

And, we certainly agree that court-mandated treatment is a necessary step to help prostituted women change their lives.

County Chair Ted Wheeler told us, “As you point out, a number of those women don’t want to be that life. Some of them are being held in that field against their will. The threat of physical violence – we know that; that is factually the case. From my prospective, this is a vulnerable population we should be targeting to help.”

But, with the both the City and County turning their pocketbooks inside-out, showing they have limited resources; it appears as if help won’t be coming anytime soon.

No customer diversion programs
Perhaps you’ll recall how a “john” told officers he picked up the prostitute so they could “go have a taco together.” Intent is difficult to prove; it is extraordinarily difficult for cops to catch street sex “in the act”. Thus, most “johns” – the customers of prostitution – are never prosecuted.

Until they closed two years ago, the Lola Greene Baldwin Foundation ran court-mandated educational programs for “johns”. They, too, lost their county and state funding.

As their co-founder, Joseph Parker, told us in a 2005 interview, “Johns are addicted to using prostituted women to fulfill their fantasies. It is less about the sex act – but much more about having absolute power and control over another human being.”

It’s up to you
Sadly, this tragic problem is “out of sight; out of mind” for most Portland residents – they simply don’t care.

But, for the neighbors who go on their daily “used condom and needle patrol” missions; shoo their children away from the front windows of their homes; and, feel unsafe on their own street as “johns” and “hookers” conduct their business as usual, the quality of life in “their Portland” continues to sink.

Until the citizens of Portland tire of the vice that grips outer East Portland neighborhoods along NE Sandy Boulevard, and along 82nd Avenue of Roses, and elect leaders who feel their discontent, street prostitution will flourish.

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Timely fire response quenches overheated G-Spot

How the blaze got started remains a mystery. But, see how fast action by our firefighters limited damage to this adult entertainment establishment on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses …

It took only minutes to put of the fire – but the circumstances sure made firefighters wonder how and why it started.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Thanksgiving Day evening, things heated up a bit too much at “The G-Spot” adult establishment at 3400 NE 82nd Avenue of Roses. Firefighters were called to put out a blaze in the house-turned-business.

By the time we arrive at 7:52 p.m., 82nd Avenue of Roses is closed to traffic; fire engines from stations 2, 12, 19 and 28 – plus a paramedic unit and command vehicles from Districts 3 and 4 are scattered across the usually busy street.

It didn’t take firefighters long to put out flames; damage was limited to the business’s front parlor.

Stepping around a fire engine, we see firefighters coming in and out of the charred front door of the business – an established listed as both a book shop and lingerie store.

“It was a ‘room and contents’ fire,” Battalion Chief of District 4, Ed Fitzgerald, tells us. “No one was present. The fire was in the front room. Our crews got water on it quickly.”

While they didn’t find anyone in or around the building, the Battalion Chief says the sign was on – and the door was unlocked. Here the two Battalion Chiefs talk with a Portland Police Officer about the fire.

Prompt action saves building
The call came in at 7:33 p.m. and crews started dousing the flames at 7:38 p.m.

“We were more concerned about the upper story; the possibly of fire extending into the attic space,” says Fitzgerald. “But we’ve checked the building carefully. It’s all clear.”

We ask if anyone was injured, or was removed from the building

“Nobody is around,” Fitzgerald replies. “We did a complete search. No one was there; nobody was around [the structure].”

“So the business was closed?” we ask.

“We don’t know if the establishment was open or not; there wasn’t anyone around,” answers Fitzgerald. “The door was unlocked.”

We watch the firefighters wrap their hose lines in the near-freezing cold for a few minutes, as a Portland Fire & Rescue fire inspector suits up, grabs his gear, and heads into the building’s charred parlor.

In the near-freezing weather, firefighters clean their equipment, wrap their lines, and get ready for the next call.

Fire of human origin
We call Portland Fire & Rescue’s public information officer on duty, Kim Kosmas, for more information.

“The building loss is set at $100,000, content loss is listed at $50,000.”

Regarding the cause, Kosmas reports that the fire is still under investigation, but adds, “The report indicates that there was a human factor. Someone used a lighter to ignite some flexible plastic.”

The Portland Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief of District 3 calls for the fire inspector after the firefighters have removed their equipment and done the overhaul (looking for hot spots) from the fire.

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Two-agency response shows East County ‘hazmat readiness

As it turns out, it wasn’t a calamity. But see how Gresham and Portland crews worked together to make sure a leaking railroad car didn’t turn into a catastrophe …

Traffic along NE Sandy Boulevard, from the eastern edge of Portland well into Gresham, was closed – and some areas were evacuated – while a leaking rail car was investigated by HAZMAT agencies from both Portland and Gresham.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The members of Portland Fire & Rescue’s and Gresham Fire Department’s HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials) Teams didn’t seem to notice the pelting rain, occasionally turning to sleet, when they were called out Sunday night, January 6.

The emergency radio calls indicated that a railroad tank car, traveling eastbound on the tracks that parallel NE Sandy Blvd., was leaking. The crew on a westbound train said they saw vapor coming from the tanker.

HAZMAT crews from both Portland and Gresham, working with officials from the railroad, developed a plan of action to determine the whether or not a tank car was leaking – and the potential hazard it might entail.

Portland and Gresham crews scramble
Because the potential hazardous materials spill was spotted in Portland about NE 158th Avenue – the train finally stopped in Gresham, just west of NE 182nd Avenue – HAZMAT crews from both cities rushed to the site.

For several hours, NE Sandy Blvd. was shut down, and bus service was rerouted. Boeing Aerospace workers waited at roadblocks to report for work, as the HAZMAT team members checked out the potential leak.

Crews get ready to sample materials they may find when they inspect the rail cars in question.

Running down the possibilities
Grant Coffey, HAZMAT Coordinator for the City of Portland, was on-scene taking charge of the event. He’s a good man for the job: Coffey came up through the ranks of Portland Fire & Rescue, led PF&R’s HAZMAT team for many years, and now teaches the subject at the college level.

“We’re checking the manifests for the cars,” Coffey told us. “The product in one of the cars is probably granulated powder. Another is plastic, and acrylic, in liquid form. It’s got a 30-day inhibitor, so it’s probably not going to be a problem – especially at this [low] temperature, even without the inhibitor.”

The concern then focused on just one of three tanker cars: “It’s filled with 183,000 pounds of phenol. That’s an organic solvent used in industry. This product gives off a white, maybe a pinkish, vapor.”

It’s not like chlorine gas, ammonia, phosgene, or chlorine, Coffey told us. “It’ll kill you if you fell in a pool of it, or ingested it. But it’s not extremely hazardous.”

After careful analysis, HAZMAT crews clear the incident.

Better to be safe …
While we were at the scene, the crews brought back the information that all was safe, and they started allowing workers to travel to their jobs, and traffic to resume, on NE Sandy Boulevard.

“Why all this response?” we asked.

“Better safe than sorry,” replied Coffey. “The idea is to take every precaution. If there were a hazardous situation, we need to be well on top it before anyone – or the environment – could be hurt.”

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It’s official: A stab in the back for David Douglas and Parkrose schools

Published March 24, 2006 ~ By David F. Ashton

Multnomah County Lonnie Roberts reads letters of support for equal school funding, as a “who‚Äôs who” of county education sits ready to lend their support at the March 22 gathering. David F. Ashton Photo

It looks like Multnomah County Commissioners Lisa Naito, Maria Rojo de Steffey, and Serena Cruz Walsh have gotten their way when it comes to funding schools with County I-Tax dollars. They voted to spend $6.4 million to help some schools ‚Äì but not all of them ‚Äì in East Portland. Their decision was to give $5.2 million to Portland Public Schools and the remainder to the Reynolds School District.

How much will Parkrose and David Douglas School Districts get? Nada. Nothing. Not one, thin dime. The Multnomah County Commissioners voted 3 to 2 on March 23. The two commissioners who “lost” were Roberts and Chair Linn.

The day before the vote, school superintendents from all over Multnomah County gathered at the David Douglas School District offices for a meeting they called, “Superintendents Speak Out!” A “who‚Äôs who” of education propionates turned out for the event.

David Douglas Schools superintendent Barbara Rommel talks with Dr. Thomas Hagerman, her counterpart in the Riverdale district. David F. Ashton Photo

David Douglas‚Äô superintendent Barbara Rommel told us, “We‚Äôre here today to emphasize the importance of parity in funding for any money available from Multnomah County to the schools. We need to give attention to all of the students, in all of our schools.”

Commissioner Lonnie Roberts and Gresham mayor Chuck Becker say the unequal distribution of Multnomah County education dollars is unfair. David F. Ashton Photo

“We want equity in school funding,” is what District 4 County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts told us in an exclusive interview. “Three of the county commissioners put forth a proposition that would leaving out David Douglas and Parkrose ‚Äì remember, these school districts are both in the City of Portland, as well as the county.”

While Roberts said he can‚Äôt speak for Commissioners Naito, Rojo de Steffey, nor Cruz Walsh, he said he was told that their formula was based on the giving the money to the districts with the greatest “needs”. “Either these two school systems really do have greater problems, or they haven‚Äôt managed their resources as well as the others.”

Roberts pointed out that David Douglas doesn‚Äôt serve wealthy neighborhoods. “77% of their students qualify for reduced or free lunches. We have the same situation in Centennial. In Parkrose, David Douglas and Centennial, 47 different languages or dialects are spoken at home. This cultural diversity presents an enormous challenge to develop programs that are designed to meet the needs of these students.”

The bottom line, Roberts added, is “we need to have equal funding.”

“Oregon PTA is very interested in school funding issues and fairness for all children. We are concerned about the fund distribution in Multnomah County,” is how Victoria Guillebeau, VP Leadership, Oregon PDA, put it to us. “Our children are our future. While I‚Äôm sure the Commissioners‚Äô hearts are in the right place, we want to make certain that all districts are treated fairly.”

Fred Sanchez, owner of Realty Brokers, was introduced to the group as also being the past president of the Gateway Area Business Association. “It is important that all of our kids get a fair share of educational funding. I‚Äôve come to speak so all of our kids get a good education.”

Michel Taylor, Superintendent of the Parkrose School District, speaks out regarding the funding situation he says is unfair to those gathered at the meeting — and Portland’s traditional media.

Superintendent of the Parkrose School District, Michel Taylor, said during the meeting how the I-Tax helped their district bring education up to “minimal levels”, providing students with a better education. He explained how they budgeted the money to stretch out the funding over time. the length of time “Then, without any conversation with our district, this [new plan that cuts their funds] determines we don’t have a need. There was no talk, no rationale presented. We have a grate deal of difficulty with that notion.”

To the surprise of some, Dr. Terry Kneisler, Reynolds School District superintendent ‚Äì the other district scheduled to get some county cash ‚Äì didn‚Äôt seem pleased. When asked if his district will accept the funding, he said “Yes. We have no choice.” He added that he told the commissioners it didn‚Äôt seem fair for the funding to go to some school districts, and not others. “The amount of money available to students should not change when they move across boundary lines. We appreciate the generosity, but we need a better way,”

Will there be a better way? We‚Äôll see. Threats of lawsuits are flying ‚Äì like by Ken Noah, superintendent of Gresham-Barlow – to even things up.

?ì 2006 David F. Ashton – East PDX News

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It‚Äôs official: A stab in the back for David Douglas and Parkrose schools