COMPLAINTS SPARK HOOKER SWEEP

Ottawa police arrested 25 hookers and 28 johns in a two-day
prostitution sweep across the city late last week.

While 13 men were charged criminally with communicating for the
purpose of prostitution, Ottawa police Sgt. Roley Campbell said the
remainder will have a chance to clear their name by opting for john
school.

All the women, most of whom are repeat offenders in their 20s through
50s, are facing prostitution-related charges.

"I can tell you we do ongoing prostitution and john sweeps, but on a
smaller scale," Campbell said.

About 25 cops participated in the undercover operation last Thursday
and Friday in Vanier, Hintonburg, Mechanicsville and the Bronson and
Gladstone areas. Campbell said the sweep was launched in response to
continuing complaints.

He said many of the women are also facing mischief charges, an offence
less severe than prostitution. Campbell said the reason for the lesser
charge is the fact their behaviour ultimately is "interfering with the
community's lawful enjoyment of their area."

Drug Treatment

He said police have received complaints from people who've found
needles and used condoms in their yards. In other cases, women have
been propositioned on their way home from work.

Most of the women charged will be referred to the new drug court where
offenders can seek drug treatment as opposed to jail time.

"We recognize these women are not out there because they want to be,"
Campbell said.