Item 8E
STAFF REPORT
City of Atlantic Beach
Commission Meeting
AGENDA ITEM: Prostitution Enforcement
DATE: March 5, 2007
SUBMITTED BY: David E. Thompson, Chief of Police
BACKGROUND:
AGENDA ITEM # 8E
MARCH 12, 2007
The Police Department has been responding to complaints of prostitution on Mayport Road
for a number of years. The Department continues to make sound cases against the
prostitutes, but the cases do not result in any significant punishment, even for repeat
offenders.
~"' Florida State Statute 796.07 provides enhanced penalties for repeat violators, but these
penalties have not been supported by the Assistant State Attomeys or the Judges.
~, All third and subsequent violations are third degree felonies which carry a potential sentence
up to five (5) years in prison. However, a review of Atlantic Beach prostitution arrests shows
that although some offenders have been arrested three (3) times or more over the past
several years, none of the offenders were sentenced to more than 60 days in jail. The Police
'" Department has made successful cases against multiple violators, but the offenders have
been routinely released back into the community with minimal penalties.
There are several ongoing initiatives to enhance the safety and the social climate of the
~. Mayport Road area of Atlantic Beach. The presence of street level prostitutes denigrates the
quality of life for people living, working, and passing through this area of our city. If we are
going to successfully eliminate or significantly reduce the number and visibility of the street
~* level prostitutes, then the State Attomeys need to prosecute the offenders more vigorously,
and the judges need to sentence offenders to more significant terms of incarceration.
BUDGET: None
~" RECOMMENDATIONS: If the City Commission is interested in addressing this issue,
then I suggest that they consider drafting a resolution addressing the State Attorney's
Office and the Judges that hear prostitution cases.
~.
ATTACHMENTS:
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER:
AGEN) ITEM NUMBER: