New Peel Region Program - AVERT

[BuffNaked]

Project AVERT -

Peel, ON 14Jan08 –- Peel Regional Police are pleased to announce a new initiative called Project AVERT, (Avoiding Victimization by Encouraging Reporting and Tracking). This initiative is designed to protect a vulnerable part of our population, women living on the street.

Females for different reasons are driven to prostitution and thus place themselves at risk of harm. Often these females have no close family members to notice if they go missing or they become victims of violent crime. The Peel Police Vice Unit will essentially stand in for family or friends. This initiative allows Peel Police to track and monitor street prostitutes. If they do not have contact with police within a predetermined interval of time, a missing person investigation is automatically triggered making the location and well being of the victim a priority.

The program, administered by Constable Kristine Arnold of the Peel Police Vice Unit, has an added benefit; the increased contact provides police with an opportunity to help these victims make better choices in terms of their current lifestyle. This is done in cooperation with Peel Health outreach workers, social service agencies and the Ontario Works program

For further information on Project Avert, please contact the Vice Unit at (905) 453-2121 ext. 3515.

I'm not sure what to make of this. On one hand I'm sure the street walkers are happy they have someone watching out for them. On the other, they are probably asking why it has to be the police. I don't know the specifics of the program so I can't say yay or nay yet.

 

[Never Compromised]

I was under the impression that Peel has been very aggressive in keeping street prostitution out of Peel as much as possible.

And what does having contact with Peel mean? That the cops bust the girls on a regular basis, and if the girl leaves the street and sets up an in call, that they will come to visit there as well?

Sure, maybe it is a good programme, but is this not social work rather than law enforcement??

 

[BuffNaked]

I was under the impression that Peel has been very aggressive in keeping street prostitution out of Peel as much as possible.

And what does having contact with Peel mean? That the cops bust the girls on a regular basis, and if the girl leaves the street and sets up an in call, that they will come to visit there as well?

Sure, maybe it is a good programme, but is this not social work rather than law enforcement??

That's what I was thinking. Why would a street walker register with police when they can just turn around and bust her for her trade. Maybe if the girl reported to 3rd party that would follow up with police then I could see that working. I think that's what the press release implies but it doesn't come right out and say it, hence the fence sitting.