Everett, Wash.
Published: Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Everett councilman proposes shame as prostitution punishment

He wants to put convicted johns' photos on TV

By David Chircop, Herald Writer

 EVERETT -- City Councilman Ron Gipson wants to use the city's cable station and Web site to shine a spotlight on people mixed up in the world's oldest profession.

Gipson said it's time to shame people with what he called a "modern scarlet letter." He thinks mugshots of people convicted of soliciting prostitution should be plastered on Everett TV 21 and the Internet.

Gipson, a correctional officer at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center, said he doesn't think the punishment is cruel or unusual. And he doesn't think most prostitution is victimless.

He said young, drug-addicted girls who turn to prostitution to pay for their drug habits are sometimes thrown behind bars at the county's juvenile hall, where he works.

"How would they feel if their daughters were victimized on the streets?" he said of men who exploit streetwalkers.

Humiliation, in addition to jail or fines, is just punishment, he said.

"That's harsh? That's reality. As the old saying goes: 'You play, you pay.'"

The proposal arrives on the heels of reports of increased prostitution along Casino Road, Evergreen Way, Airport Road and Highway 99.

Late last month, police arrested seven women in an undercover sting. None was from Snohomish County.

The get-tough approach of trying to embarrass people busted for soliciting prostitutes is already used in a host of other cities, including Denver; Fort Worth, Texas; and Chicago.

The Mile High city runs JohnsTV on its cable channel, featuring photos and information on people convicted of prostitution-related crimes. It also posts their photos on its police department's Web site.

In Kansas City, Brian Bates, who is also known as the "Video Vigilante," takes things a step further.

In 1996, he launched www.johntv.com, which not only publishes the identities of those arrested for prostitution-related offenses, but he also follows their cases and lists whether they were found guilty, innocent or dismissed. He also publishes what punishments are meted out.

Bates said similar efforts from cities usually start with politicians or police administrators responding to public outcry. Some make a splash and have a positive result in the short run, but often fizzle out after a year or two, he said.

Gipson, was first elected to the council in November 1995, and is seeking a fourth term in office. He is being challenged by Charlene Rawson, an Everett mortgage broker who is active with the city's association of neighborhoods.

City President Brenda Stonecipher, who is chairwoman of the council's public safety committee, said last week the issue would be discussed at a yet-to-be scheduled council subcommittee meeting.

Everett police in 2006 arrested 34 people for prostitution-related crimes. The offenses can carry fines of $500 to $1,000.

Reporter David Chircop: 425-339-3429 or dchircop@heraldnet.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA