Ottawa Police Prostitution "John" Sweep in Vanier

OTTAWA - In an on-going effort to deal with community identified prostitution and prostitution related problems, the Ottawa Police Service conducted a prostitution John sweep in Vanier on October 14 and 15, 2013.

A total of 14 John/Males arrests were made. Eleven adult males qualified to attend the Pre-charge Diversion Program, which includes attending “John” School. “John School” is a project that applies a restorative justice approach to the effects of prostitution within our communities and focuses on education.

The remaining three were charged with a variety of offenses including communicating for the purpose of prostitution, mischief and solicitation. One of the three males charged criminally was charged additionally under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Resisting Arrest and breach of Probation. A total of eight criminal charges were laid.

The Ottawa Police Service conducts enforcement in response to community complaints as one of their strategies to prostitution related issues.