Sex solicitor education program in the works

Dec 16, 2017 | 7:19 AM

The RCMP is partnering with PACE Grande Prairie to provide education for those who get caught soliciting sex.

Police are also searching for ways to get vulnerable escorts out of their current lifestyles. The measures are in place following November’s 35-person sting targeting Johns.

“We want to help people who want to leave the sex trade to get out of it,” said RCMP Supt. Don McKenna. “For the Johns, I don’t think they have a clue of what these young ladies have gone through in their lives. If they knew, they wouldn’t be Johns.”

While the decision on sentencing remains with the judge, those charged with trying to pick up escorts may have the chance to understand why marginalized men and women are in the trade.

McKenna says this can be a valuable tool to stop the crime.

“This is an opportunity to learn. If I go to court for an offence, justice will be served. There will be consequences for my behaviour,” he said. “But this is a chance for those involved in purchasing services from sex trade workers to get some education.”

McKenna says the force will continue to pick up those soliciting sex, and discussed measures if prostitution is ever legalized.

“There will be systems in place to help people (leave the life), as opposed to us doing this sporadically,” he said. “Maybe it’ll be something permanent where people really have the opportunity to get out.”

by Jordan Parker