Beginning on March 4, 2014, prostitution advisory letters were sent to registered vehicle owners (business and residential) whose vehicle may have been observed in an area where there are complaints of suspected criminal activity.
The letter tells the registered vehicle owners, “Your vehicle was observed on (this date) at an area within the city limits of Sarasota known for prostitution related crimes. The driver or occupant of your vehicle engaged in conversation with either: (1) a known prostitute (an individual who has been previously convicted of a violation of Florida States 796.07) or (2) an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a prostitute.”
The letter is an advisory letter and not an accusatory letter. The letter is for informational purposes and no criminal charges are pending against anyone involved. Those registered vehicle owners who receive the letter are given a case number that was generated while documenting the incident and contact information for Sergeant Demetri Konstantopoulos with the Sarasota Police Department Street Crimes Unit.
“It’s another tool for us to put in our tool box for the fight against prostitution. The Sarasota Police Department is taking a No Tolerance’ stance on prostitution. The City of Sarasota is beautiful place and community members are working to revitalize the North Trail. We’re trying to change to reputation of the North Trail and in order to do that we’re going to take drastic measures to deter prostitution in the city.”
Source: Sarasota Police Department
