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Salinas police back state bill to expand tools against street prostitution; council hears enforcement steps
Summary
Salinas police commanders told the City Council on April 8 that a pending state bill would expand officers'authority to contact and assist people involved in street prostitution and human trafficking, and described immediate patrol, signage and camera steps already under way.
City public-safety officials told the Salinas City Council on April 8 that a pending state measure would give local police additional legal tools to address street prostitution and human-trafficking concerns, and described immediate local actions the department is taking while state legislation moves through Sacramento.
"We've been using our city ordinance, which is 20-132(b). It's an infraction. Arrest behind it. We can only cite, if they are cited 3 times in the 6 months period, the city attorney's office can file it as a misdemeanor," said Commander Warner, summarizing current limitations. Police said they have increased patrols in targeted neighborhoods, worked with hotels, churches and businesses on signage and trespass enforcement, sought additional lighting and deployed camera requests, and emphasized calls for community reporting so officers can respond quickly.
Staff said the state bill under consideration would allow officers to contact suspected sex workers, open routes to victim services and permit enforcement actions that city code now treats only as infractions unless repeated. "Part of this bill is that it will allow us to provide those services and resources to these sex workers who are actual victims of sex trafficking or human trafficking," a staff presenter said.
Council members praised recent on-the-ground results. "One girl, and I couldn't believe it," Councilmember Gloria Salazar said, referencing a recent reduction in visible activity after increased enforcement. Police commanders asked for continued community reporting and local infrastructure support; they did not ask for immediate new city ordinance changes at the April 8 session, instead requesting the council endorse the effort to support the state bill and to continue local enforcement measures.
Ending: The council heard the police presentation and signaled support for continued local enforcement and collaboration with state lawmakers; the proposal requires action in Sacramento before new state authorities would take effect.
