I had the privilege of attending the “john school” or
Prostitution Diversion Program at the 77th precinct in Los Angeles
this last Saturday. The program began in 2008 by two retired LAPD detectives
under the belief that education is more powerful than punishment. That if these
men who have been arrested for soliciting prostitution only knew what was
really going on and all the dangers involved – they would make better choices
in the future. Since the program began in July of 2008, 1,533 men have gone
through the program and only 4 have been repeat offenders.
I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into the
training. To be honest, my fear was that the school was going to be very
shame-based. But it was delightfully refreshing. I walked away with such hope,
inspiration and encouragement for what this program is doing and what more we
can be doing to help the men of Los Angeles.
This program educated, challenged, encouraged and inspired
(at least me! But I think the men that were there as well). The men were
treated as decent humans who would make better decisions if only they had the
information to make those decisions. On one of the breaks we were talking to a
detective who was telling us about some of the past men they have come through
the program. One man was in a moment of extreme loneliness and depression after
his wife of 40 years had just passed away a couple weeks before and he got
caught. I think we often jump to the conclusion that these men are gross and
misogynistic. But I think you’d find that a lot of these men have a much larger
and tragic story that we most often don’t consider.
Throughout the day the johns ask questions, they answer
questions, they’re involved and even engaged in laughter at different parts of
various lectures and presentations. The presenters really know their stuff –
and they don’t pull their punches – but they also treat the johns as
intelligent men who are capable of thinking through the consequences next time
to make better decisions since they now have the information.
I go through the whole day below, each speaker that came and
what they talked about. If you care to read in more detail – keep going!
On Saturday’s training there were 23 men present, of various
ethnicities. I counted 8 wedding rings in the room and guessed the ages ranged
from early 20’s to early 50’s. Their current situation was explained to them.
You were ARRESTED for prostitution, but not CONVICTED – and that’s how it’ll
stay on your record if you complete this program and successfully stay clean
for one year of probation after completing this program.
“We’re not here to discuss if prostitution should be
legalized. We’re not here to point fingers. We’re here to help you make better
decisions. You’re risking your life, health, reputation and your family’s life
and health. If you go back out on the street, you WILL be arrested.”
Not everyone is eligible for john
school. A man cannot have prior arrests for prostitution, drugs or violent
crimes on his rap sheet and must be willing to submit to an HIV blood test.
Each john shells out $600 to cover the cost of the class. And if they
keep clean for their one-year probation, no conviction goes on their permanent
record. IF, however, they are to solicit a prostitute again and get caught –
they would go to jail immediately.
The day was packed full of highly qualified, entertaining
and informative speakers on a variety of topics. The day starts with an
explanation of HIV testing which is required of each man that goes through this
program. Throughout the day, each man is asked to leave the room one by one and
go out to a mobile station parked outside to get tested. They will get their
results immediately.
The first speaker was Lt. Rick Shields to give the police
perspective. He explained that years ago there were hundreds of prostitutes out
on the street corners, but those numbers are declined due to the internet, out
call and in call services, backpage, newspapers, etc. The game is changing and
how we must respond is changing. He discussed some of the sting operations that
the police have going which most likely resulted in these men getting caught
and sitting in this room! He framed it all as an overarching community problem
– prostitution impacts our churches, schools and neighborhoods in ways we don’t
think about. Represented by the simple fact that many of these women are FORCED
in this and what we don’t see are the killings, fights and rapes that place. He
also reminded these men that a majority of the women they are soliciting are
actually under aged although they might tell you they are 18. And if you get
caught with a girl under 18, even if you claim you didn’t know – that’s an
automatic felony!
The youngest girl arrested (for LT Shields) on the streets
in Hollywood for prostitution was 11 years old. The oldest was 69 years old.
Next a city attorney representative, Sonja Dawson spoke. She
started by making it clear that her job was to prosecute them! But at the same
time, they were supportive of this program because they realized that they
could not arrest their way out of this problem. She explained the specifics
behind getting arrested for prostitution, the penal codes. She also took the
time to explain what would happen if they violated probation or had a second
(or third!) offense.
Next was Jason Dawson from the Public Health Administration
to talk about HIV and AIDS awareness. Let me tell you – THIS is the sex
education we need in high schools! Terrifying. He explained all the science
behind what HIV and AIDS actually are as well as many of the statistics from
LA, giving many different gender and ethnic statistics.
Then Heather Northover came and gave a presentation of
STDs….with pictures. Again, if this was incorporated into more of our sex
education, I can’t help but think more teens would stay away from sex…FOREVER!
(just kidding…only kind of). STDs cost $16 billion in health care each year.
And HIV can run up to $40k annual to treat. At one point she asked each man to
look around the room and then asked “how comfortable would you be having sex
with someone after they’ve had sex with everyone in this room?” That’s
basically what’s going on when you have sex with a streetwalker, you just don't
think about it because it’s their job. Sex workers are 10x more likely to have
STDs and inconsistent condom use.
Then we had a lunch break, which was really ill-timed since
we had just looked at a ton of penises with STD’s.
The afternoon, to me, was the most powerful part of the
training. I know not everyone who solicits prostitution is a sex addict. And
the training is not implying that either – but bringing in several men from sex
addicts anonymous was really powerful. I think it gave freedom to relate to the
stories of those who suffer from addiction to find yourself in their stories
and be able to get the help you need. I won’t share any of the details of the
stories that were shared, but know that they were raw, vulnerable, gut
wrenching and powerful. There were lost jobs, divorces, revoking of professional
licenses, loss of property, lost children, having to register as a sex
offender, and many more. Their truth telling was so powerful, it really
conveyed the human experience: fear of mortality, fear of failure and a deep
seeded desire to be loved, wanted and needed.
Their biggest suggestions:
1.
Go to meetings
2.
Meet with a sponsor
3.
Have a support group you meet with (out of SAA)
that you talk to about life and challenges
4.
Cold call others within SAA so you can ask how
they are
5.
Share your story: it is only through
authenticity and vigorous honesty that you can get freedom.
They then had Dr. Barbara Pavlo come in and talk about some
of the brain science behind addiction and specifically sex addiction. After
that they had an ex-prostitute from the area (she had worked one of the tracks
After Hours works on for 15 years!) speak to the men about a prostitutes
perspective. And the day ended with a community member talking about the impact
prostitution has on the neighborhood. She brought up many things I had never
thought of before! It was really moving.
I was encouraged by humanity on Saturday! Those that came
together to present this amazing program, retired LAPD officers Art and Bill
who have put this program together and continually improved it over the years.
Their belief that the men of Los Angeles can make better decisions. The passion
of the community members, the vulnerability of the men from SAA who came to
share their stories and let those in the training who may also suffer from
addiction know that they are not alone.
Everyone deserves a second chance. Thank God for grace.
Thank God for community members that do what they can to educate, challenge and
love those who had a moment of weakness. And for those it wasn’t a moment of
weakness for, who dare to repeat – they’ll pay the consequences! The dark
underbelly of prostitution in Los Angeles is a difficult thing to get your mind
around – but this program is doing a great job getting the word out there.
