New Haven Independent

Posted by: anon | August 15, 2008 5:35 PM

Bravo! Post their names and addresses here! GET THEM OUT OF OUR TOWN!

Posted by: anon | August 15, 2008 5:40 PM

See their names and addresses here:

http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=8847370

Posted by: John Tulin | August 15, 2008 6:03 PM

On the one hand, what happened to innocent until proven guilty? If one of these men is truly innocent, and I doubt they are, then the city is sued and chief gets a slap on the wrist.

Bottom line - he has got the future johns and other criminals thinking twice.

We will see how this shakes out.....

Posted by: Edward_H | August 15, 2008 6:42 PM

Maybe they can make a reality show out of the video tapes. They can use the proceeds to buy rifles and police dogs

Posted by: Esbe | August 15, 2008 6:46 PM

The sensational part of this story is "Johns Outed".

The important part of the story is "PERF Recommendation Status Chart Posted." This is a great way to keep track of progress and I am sure that the NHI will keep us up to date.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 15, 2008 7:47 PM

I see non New Haveners are on this list. I would love to send the prostitutes on there street with their children and see how they like it!!!!!

I am so freaken happy!! chief State street and May and Middletown and ferry and near rice field. Remember this activity brings other crimes! I have had to put signs up to stop this and other activity on my street and so far so good they just moved one street over. But I would love to see the day I can take the dam ugly things down!!!! Here to Hope!!! Chief Hope!!! We the people of the harder areas of New Haven may be able to breath easy in the future....thank you so very very much for that feeling, a feeling I was beginning to forget!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Kevin Ewing | August 15, 2008 9:06 PM

This is a tough one.

I'm not a fan of public humiliation and think it is the sign of a cruel and vulgar community but the solution in this case is simple - if you don't want your picture in the paper then...

I can't help but feel for the folks who find themselves in a place where it is okay to sell their body for physical pleasure. Prostitution is NOT a victimless crime.

But to me this isn't about prostitution. If you want to pay for it that's a different conversation (heck we're all paying for it in some way.) The problem is you are forcing me to watch you do it. I don't want to see it. I don't want to hear it. I don't want to walk a gauntlet of solicitations when I walk down the street. I don't want to deal with the weirdos looking for it. I don't want to deal with all the other criminal activity that surrounds it. It has NO PLACE in our streets!!!

Still, there are punishments for this crime that is supposed to be a deterrent. Apparently they are not working. Publishing these people's names and addresses, I'm assuming, is the chief's way of adding on to the punishment. However, the old punishments happened AFTER it was proven beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed. This new 'punishment' removes that safeguard and for that I have a whole lot of uneasiness about this new plan. Truth be told... I don't think it will work. And mark my word, somewhere down the line someone is going to sue and win. Perhaps the percentage of innocent folks getting their info published unjustly is low but if that person is you or yours the percentage is 100%. Personally, I don't think it is worth it.

On another note:
I still don't get why we need 4 Assistant Chiefs. How expensive will they be. Not just their salaries and benefits but we can't forget to include all the things that come with their Assistant Chiefdomships. It might be okay at first but pretty quickly it's going to amount to more bureaucracy in the department.

Posted by: Kevin Ewing | August 15, 2008 10:39 PM

Something I didn't think about with the posting of photos until I saw a couple posts on the TNH site. Posting the photos not only punishes the 'perp' but it also punishes the families. They did nothing to deserve the public humiliation.

Posted by: walt bradley | August 15, 2008 11:23 PM

I'm not so sure this is hunky dory. Working for a place like citizens television, it is my duty to agree with john tulin that these men are not convicted of anything, and therefore should not be suubject to a modern day humiliation a.k.a. "stocks" from puritan days.
This ideal does conflict with my being a new haven resident, cohabitating with beloved girlfriend, and wanting my westville neighborhood safe, and free of weirdos getting "monicas" down the street while one of us is parking or walking the dog.
I think i'd rather see the pictures of people selling crack, molesting children and breaking and entering before i view these mugs.
by the way, i noticed the majority of the surnames attached to the pictures appear to be, well, guest worker-ish - are any of these folks aliens (legal or illegal) and are they facing deportation? Just Curious.

Posted by: DAFeder | August 15, 2008 11:37 PM

Is it so much to ask that we wait for a conviction to publish names and photos?

David

ps/ a poster named "anon" giving the web link to the alleged johns is kind of hilarious.

Posted by: -fairhavener- | August 16, 2008 12:06 AM

This is great! But, please don't neglect Ferry St.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 16, 2008 8:17 AM

Fairhaven....you just made me think of something...when the police do this I hope you guys tell the girls that work the street NOT IN new-HAVEN. because they will just move their work to the next street, so as fairhaven said ferry street is another place they work and cedar hill too and they girls that work these two area are the same ones. So talks with the girls is a must, to make this work!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 16, 2008 8:22 AM

And one more question...can we keep track of the migrant works that patronize these girls?? A few times they were lined up at rice field for our most well know he/she. Cops were called all times. I know this is a bit of a non PC comment but it is a serious one.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 16, 2008 3:16 PM

do we have the chief email? I have a girl working out of 1384 state now...thanks to the relocation. I am taking pic of the johns plates.

Posted by: robn | August 16, 2008 3:35 PM

there are two major questions here..

1) Is humiliation or rather punishment in general, an effective deterrant, or a temporary spectacular diversion from the problem...our police force's inability to curb prostituion (maybe or maybe not their own fault).

2) If our community finds this method worthy of trying, shouldn't we wait for legal convictions before the "outing" takes place?

Posted by: Joe Rodriguez | August 16, 2008 3:35 PM

A number of neighborhood groups and constituents have been complaining about these prostitutes who feel the own Ferry.

Thank you chief for providing recourses to our district manager and working to address this concern. Keep up the good work.

Joseph Rodriguez
Alderman, Ward 15

Posted by: New Havener | August 16, 2008 5:42 PM

Why not show their names and faces before they are convicted? There are plenty of other instances where perps' faces and names are in the news before they've had their day in court.

Posted by: DEZ | August 16, 2008 6:08 PM

My wife and I have been chasing the prostitutes and johns from beneath the block-watch 855 sign between #1 and #7 Pine Street for YEARS. I would always point out the sign to them 'in flagrante delicto' with the question of 'WTF?' as they 'beat' a hasty exit. One humorous tart even said, "Block-watch? You wanna watch?" I had to laugh at that one. Or the time a certain john in his work vehicle pulled up at 7 AM on a Monday. The company logo featured prominently on the side of the van advertised 'shining your hard wood' floors! Of course I phoned the local number and left word that a certain someone was getting their 'hard wood shined' and would they please stop using our block for said purposes. I have to say that the Fair Haven prostitution scene has made for hilarious cocktail party banter for years. People beg me over and over to recall my 'tales of the tart' for a good laugh. To be perfectly honest, I'm sick to death of the crap and am only too happy to see these 'investors' outed publicly. Maybe now our corner will be a little quieter and cocktail party banter can go back to decent topics like politics or religion. Rock on Chief Lewis!

Posted by: Edward_H | August 16, 2008 6:46 PM

Kevin

Posting the photos not only punishes the 'perp' but it also punishes the families. They did nothing to deserve the public humiliation.

Maybe the Chief thinks shaming the "Johns" kids will add to the deterrent factor? From watching his interview with Paul I get the impression he thinks any repercussions on the family is the fault of the arrestee.

Walt Bradley

I think I'd rather see the pictures of people selling crack, molesting children and breaking and entering before i view these mugs.

I am with you on that, especially the molesters. I guess the Chief does not care about protecting kids.

Looking at the pictures of the suspects I give it about a month before someone complains that the Chief is picking on "immigrants" or "undocumented workers"or the "poorest of the poor". Wait until he starts locking up the working girls, then we will really be in for some sob stories.

City Hall is constantly whining and crying about the stigma associated with being a convicted felon and now they want to place a similar stigma on men who have not actually been convicted of anything? Does City Hall have any plan to help the men who will end up being found "Not Guilty" of any charges? Unless the NH Vice Squad has a 100% conviction rate someone will be found "Not guilty" sooner or later.

Posted by: anon | August 16, 2008 8:44 PM

secrecy does not protect the innocent. the info is public and the innocent would fight harder and louder if it weren't for connecticut's wierd erasure statute, which often influences them to do wierd things in their defense, sometimes putting up a less vigorous defence if it is one that will result in something less public under connecticut law.

Innocent people are more likely to speak up publicly if the charge doesn't just appear on some docket then quietly dissappear when it is dropped. When they do, we learn what bad things happen to cause an innocent person to be accused. Now, everything is muted and in the dark, whcih gives more opportunity for misconduct and less accountability for it.

More openness also would give the public a more reasonable view of police work and show them how not everyone is guilty. Now, in Connecticut, people often have distorted, biased views one way or the other based on what their imaginations provide in the absence of real information.

Also, the erased charges are still perment and segregated and available to just about everyone in state and municipal government, so it puts government in this all-knowing place above us.

It does nothing in terms of liability and that wouldn't be a good reason for more secrecy anyway. The west is not as uptight about this and it is far easier out west to hold police accoutable for mistakes, so I am pleased with this chief so far.

0onnecticut has this bizarre relationship with secrecy and it ends up increasing its shame and stigma about everything.

It is so intense that even the journalists - the number one advocates for public access - are sucked in. Look at the article --- HNI only uses his first name.

Posted by: Anon -- pS | August 16, 2008 9:02 PM

BTW, I am not the anon that posted at the top of the comments area.

Just want to add, its always important to try to contact the accused for comment. I am glad this article did. Some didn't -- didn't even say they tried, which is inexcusable.

Now, Connecticut has to stop resisting releasing the police report. They should cough it up.

If you are going to be open on mug shots, should be open on police report as well. on Public should be able to subject to scrutinize it. I bet in bakersfield where lewis used to be, they were available?

Posted by: Anon -- pS | August 16, 2008 9:07 PM

well, turns out in bakersfield they aren't -- less even than here.

Posted by: Heather Findlay | August 16, 2008 10:44 PM

While I agree with Kevin that the publication also effects the families of these pathetic excuses for men, I have to wonder how many spouses and significant others would never know what was going on. With the very real chance of diseases being spread, I would hope that the partners of these "men" would, though distraught obviously, would at least be informed of and seek professional help to determine the health risks they have be exposed to. The potential for STDs, AIDS, etc. far outweighs a little public humiliation.

That said, I am thrilled this is going on. Yes, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but why would anyone put themselves at risk of being caught? I mean...wrong place wrong time?? I think not! If your hand is caught in the "cookie jar" chances are your eating that cookie!

Posted by: Nestor Makhno | August 17, 2008 12:45 AM

Only in a desperate city would this be something to celebrate. In all seriousness, if this effort succeeds in curbing prostitution, what are the prostitutes going to do for money? Clearly selling your body is not a great way to make a living, but given the increasing unemployment and general lack of jobs in New Haven, what are these women going to do? However good it is that crack pipes are off the shelves from the Shell station and johns are being taken off the street, ultimately these successes serve to highlight the extent that the city is in a downward spiral. That Jose Doe (sorry, my humor is bad) has had his car confiscated and is facing some sort of prostitution charges is hardly heartening.

Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | August 17, 2008 6:54 AM

Hey Johns!

Get a New Haven illegal ID card! You'll never have to worry about being outed.

Posted by: John Tulin | August 17, 2008 9:54 AM

"Only in a desperate city would this be something to celebrate"

Excellent point Nestor.

Posted by: DEZ | August 17, 2008 12:39 PM

Hello? Only in a desperate city this would be celebrated? Where do you fellows live? Are prostitutes raging in front of your children? At your curb? Leaving their filth and detritus in the gutter in front of your home? For your guests to see? This is an all too real problem with many New Haven neighborhoods, and especially Fair Haven. I agree it may not be at the top of the list of quality of life issues for all, but it's certainly close and most certainly one of the most disgusting and disheartening when it happens in front of your home. Sell, sell, sell your body away, just take your business elsewhere, and for God's sake put litter where it belongs! Please do not belittle those very active community persons who happen to deal with this on a regular basis.

Posted by: FacChek | August 17, 2008 4:41 PM

Great start Lewis;

Your just starting to show us what You got.

Any more of that?

Autt.. don't answer that!

Posted by: Bill Saunders | August 17, 2008 8:52 PM

I wonder what these undercover prostitutes look like.

If the NHPD is offering a better 'product' than the usual city crack whore, does that fact influence the behaviour of would-be johns whose sexual addiction might otherwise might not cross that line?

Borderline inducement to commit a crime?
Not cut and dry, by any means.

Let the law follow its due process.
The public shaming before guilt is proven is how witch hunts begin.

Posted by: Alex | August 18, 2008 2:27 AM

We are walking a real fine line here with presumpiton of innocence, which is a key factor in constitutional law as well as entrapment. Prostitution has survived since the dawn of humanity and will survive even in New Haven. Of course it's good to chase it out of neighborhoods but they will just move around town or go to Craigslist.

What drives me crazy is that one of the top problems in this city is teen gun violence and the chief has yet to do anything to go after the gun dealers. He needs to start where the real crime is and entrap and announce the names of those convicted of selling guns to our kids!!! The new chief is just doing the easy stuff! I challenge him to arrest the illegal gun dealers now!!

Posted by: Deuce | August 18, 2008 8:48 AM

Nestor Makhno asks: "if this effort succeeds in curbing prostitution, what are the prostitutes going to do for money? Clearly selling your body is not a great way to make a living, but given the increasing unemployment and general lack of jobs in New Haven, what are these women going to do"?

Since they have plenty of experience screwing and blowing people for money they have a future in New Haven politics!

Posted by: Alex Rhodeen | August 18, 2008 8:57 AM

The Chief's e-mail address is jmlewis@newhavenct.net. Chief Lewis stated that he regularly checks his e-mail and encourages neighbors to e-mail him for fastest response.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 18, 2008 9:19 AM

DEZ
DITTO!! DITTO!!! They just don't get it! Cedar Hill shares the same girls as you guys. And they also bring their customers over here to do their thing. Filled condoms laying in our gardens, along side walks....... we have the lovely job of picking them up. Not to mention the pervs. that drive through looking for action once they know thier are working girls in the area. Our children and teens are out side.

As for people saying they are not convicted..hello they have the transactions on video and audio. And for those who think these are just lonely men or men in bad relationships looking for a good time...maybe a few are but even if just a small percent of them are predictors and predictors in the making I DO NOT WANT THEM IN MY COMMUNITY>>>I DO NOT WANT THEM NEAR WHERE OUR CHILDREN PLAY!!!!!

Posted by: elmcityguy | August 18, 2008 9:35 AM

I've been trying to make up my mind on this issue since it came up last week. On one hand, I'd like to see convictions before these guys lives are screwed up because of this, AND, I think prostitution should be legal (and regulated and taxed).

BUT, arrest reports are in papers all the time, and I don't wish for anyone to have to clean up someones used condoms and have their neighborhood trolled by guys thinking any woman out there is offering it up.

I think I have been convinced by my fellow Indpendent readers that this is a good thing. Yeah, there are a lot of other problems in the city, but you have to start somewhere, and this seems like a good place to start.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 18, 2008 9:47 AM

Thnax Alex

Posted by: tlapalacoyoac | August 18, 2008 10:29 AM

This is wrong; the police department is attacking the poor. The prostitution is not he source of the problem, they are just poor people who needs to feed their families. Not the john's, they are just costumers that buy sex anywhere. What about the legal prostitution, the one that is advertise in the New Haven Advocate (the back room). If society wants to fight prostitution they should start attacking the causes of poverty, the waste in the war.
But, if the police insist in publishing the names of people not been convicted yet, they should do the same thing with the police officer that abuse our communities. Next time I will send pictures, names and badges number of such individuals.

Posted by: Get Real | August 18, 2008 11:28 AM

Prostitution is an evil but inevitable. Why not move the ladys of the night down one block to Blatchley and River. Its all old factorys there and they wont be seen. The cops could put up video cameras to keep things in control.

Why do this.

There are many illegals in town and many of them are on there own. They need some comfort and if they dont get it from prostitutes there will be more sex crimes against the innocent. Rapes will go up.

In World War 2 the Japanese forced Korean women into prostitution to avoid a bigger problem with rapes.

I think this crack down is just to make the new chief look effective. No thought has been given to the problem

Posted by: Hopeful Fairhavener | August 18, 2008 2:49 PM

Please forgive me in advance for the blunt and somewhat frustrated tone of my post, but I am shocked by the naivety and closed mindedness of so many of those who have posted responses on this article. My frustration comes from the firm belief that these mindsets play a huge role in New Haven's crime continuing to increase. To briefly comment of a couple "controversial" issues:

1. The legality of publishing the photos and names of these men:
Do you not watch the news or read the newspaper. 90% or more of the crimes reported by every news agency is the reporting of an arrest, an "alleged" crime. Usually news agencies only publish stories about convictions when the crime is extreme. Every day on every news program and in every newspaper we see stories about ARRESTS. Arrests are public information that is ALWAYS made available to the media. If there were any basis for a lawsuit in these scenarios, we would see lawsuits ALL the time and news agencies would stop daily publishing the names, photos and alleged crimes of those arrested.

2. Hurting and humiliating innocent families:
Do those of you who are ranting about the humiliation of innocent family members go off on this kind or tirade every time you watch the news or is this some sort of moral epiphany you've just risen to. As mentioned above, the news media daily shows us the faces and gives us the names of men and women who have been ARRESTED (not convicted) for various crimes. Don't you think the families of many of these men and women are hurt and humiliated when the name and mug shot of their son, daughter, father, mother, spouse, etc . is displayed for everyone to see. I feel horrible for the families, as should we all! My point is that this is really not that controversial of an issue. It happens all day, every day, and I seriously doubt that any of those who are criticizing Chief Lewis get frustrated every time they see the media report an arrest that could be very humiliating for the family of the accused.

The NHPD has not been able to curb crime in our city in recent years, and Chief Ortiz resigned in the wake of a police department littered with scandals and corruption, including the disbanding of NHPD's ENTIRE Drug Enforcement Unit as a result of an FBI investigation into its corruption. Chief Lewis is an outsider who comes with a fresh perspective and a VERY effective track record. Only time will tell the effectiveness of his decisions as New Haven's Chief of Police, but let's give him the freedom to do his job and make the decisions his expertise leads him to make. If we tie his hands, we have no right to complain if very little is accomplished by the end of his tenure.

Posted by: ben | August 18, 2008 3:23 PM

Thanks for the email address Alex,
I created a watch area on http://www.SeeClickFix.com with that email so chief lewis will receive emails whenever the word "prostitute" is reported in an issue.
I also added: "drug, speed and illegal as keywords" just for good measure.

Hopefully it will help identify more problem areas.

Posted by: Mr. Greenjeanss | August 18, 2008 9:54 PM

Has the chief outed the John he works for yet?

Posted by: Kevin Ewing | August 18, 2008 10:57 PM

Hopeful FairHavener: I don't think it is right to publish ANYONE'S info until they are convicted regardless the alleged crime so no this is not my first time having a problem with the practice. And just because it's been happening for a long time and for other crimes doesn't make it right.

As far as alerting the family, there are other ways to do it without public humiliation. I've been there with a relative years ago and had to endure the taunts at school for years. (It must've hurt because I still feel the pain from the teasing over 30 years later.) Turns out he picked up a former student and was giving her a ride home. (At least that's what the court decided. Personally, I think he got over but that's a different conversation.)

I'm not saying that they shouldn't make the arrests or run the stings. Prostitutes walk in front of my house too. In fact, I got propositioned on my way into my house about an hour ago.

Still, I'm not mad at the new chief. I wish him luck and will do all I can to help. (Let it be known... I AM A SNITCH!!!) We just need to be careful. Two wrongs do not, in any mathematical system, make a right.

Posted by: Bruce | August 19, 2008 9:08 AM

I personally don't have much sympathy for these guys, but it seems that the police are overstepping their role. Isn't the job of punishing offenders supposed to be in the hands of the court system? I don't understand why this seemingly arbitrary process is necessary.

Posted by: walt bradley | August 19, 2008 11:04 AM

Mr. Greenjeans, i get it, you are quite funny.

Posted by: Hopeful Fairhavener | August 19, 2008 12:09 PM

Kevin: Great! I am glad that you don't want families humiliated. As I mentioned above, we should all feel horrible for the families of those who have been arrested for various crimes. But why criticize and attack our new Chief for something that is a matter of state law and universal media practice. My frustration comes from many people above making uninformed comments similar to Bruce's, "...it seems that the police are overstepping their role." No Bruce, you, along with all the others making these uninformed judgments, are wrong. The NHPD is fulfilling its role as required by state law. Connecticut's open records law REQUIRES DISCLOSURE of all arrest information, and in fact, the NHPD would be breaking the law by not disclosing ALL arrest information. See the below link:

http://www.state.ct.us/foi/2007FOIA/Sec.%201-215.htm

If anyone has a problem with the LAW, he or she should do something to change the law. If anyone has a problem with the media universally and daily capitalizing on the public's desire to know the name, face and alleged crimes of those arrested, he or she should do something to challenge the media. With regard to the prostitution sting, Chief Lewis has simply stated publically what the law REQUIRES of the NHPD, and every Police Department in CT, for EVERY arrest.

Many of us in New Haven default to criticizing our public officials... and for good reason. But let's remember why Chief Lewis was brought in from the outside. He has a proven track record of turning around troubled police departments and equipping officers to effectively deal with crime and enforce the law. I believe that we, for the most part, have good officers who want to do their job well but have been ill equipped and suffered from lack of effective leadership at the top. Only time will tell if Chief Lewis can provide the leadership our Police Department needs, but we should give him ample opportunity to prove his leadership without criticizing him at every step.

Posted by: Kevin Ewing | August 19, 2008 1:17 PM

HF. Criticizing our city officials is not only proper but I think it is our duty as residents, tax payers and citizens of this city. I will never stop if they are doing something that I disagree with. There is nothing that you are anyone else will say that will dissuade me from doing that when I see something that in my mind is wrong.

Criticisms do not automatically indicate a lack of support. In fact, if I didn't support the new chief's efforts I would be leading a charge to get rid of him and not commenting about one aspect of his ideas. So far I like him on the whole and welcome many of his proposed changes. Nothing in my statement was 'attacking' the chief. However, I am exercising my right as a free citizen and expressing my opinion here in a public forum.

There are a lot of 'laws' that I don't think help and should be taken off the books so just because it is the 'law' doesn't make it right. I'm sure if you thought about it you would find some that you disagree with too. (I'm old enough to recall not being able to LEGALLY drink out of a water fountain in the park, for example.)

At the moment, this particular law is not high enough priority for me to expend the tremendous amount of effort it would require to get it changed. That doesn't mean I think it's right or that it shouldn't be changed. Nor does it mean that I think our police should be spending the effort to publish these faces or suggesting that in such a hard budget climate we should be spending tax payer dollars to purchase ads. I have more important things to work on... like trying to find peace in my neighborhood and the others I work with around the city. That's where I am putting my energies.

I think we should just agree to disagree about this because I doubt if either of us will change our minds (until perhaps you are personally hit with it and come over to my side.)

Posted by: Chris Gray | August 19, 2008 2:35 PM

Arrests are public information, pure and simple. I have no problem with this. It is not an assumption of guilt to publicize them. As Kevin Ewing points out, it happens every day and is a result of a free press.

I do agree with Alex that rounding up people selling guns illegally is a far higher priority.

Posted by: Bill Saunders | August 19, 2008 5:33 PM

Hopeful Fairhavener,

Maintaining police records for public transparency and Freedom of Information is one thing.

In this particular sting operation, I do not believe any of the arrest information conveyed to the media overstepped the intent of the statute you cited.

However, Chief Lewis's intention of publishing photos of accused johns,through City web sites, or paid advertisements, seems to be more than what is required by the letter of the statute.

While the State's Sexual Offender Registry does publish names, photos, and past offenses, this is done under State Statute, and not deemed in violation of 14th Ammendment (Equal Protection under the Law), because it is an issue of Public Safety.

If anybody wants to check out the State Registry, check it out here -- http://www.sor.state.ct.us/pls/sor/wsor$offender.startup?Z_CHK=0

Do a search for New Haven, and notice how many of these offenders list 301 George Street as their address (The Salvation Army).

Lord save us.

Posted by: Virginia Blaisdell | August 20, 2008 12:24 AM

It shouldn't be, but prostitution is illegal. It's a crime of police convenience--they will arrest the prostitute who people are complaining about, unless she or he's the one who happens to be servicing them. They almost never arrest the customer. Can you imagine this happening with a drug transaction? Only the seller gets busted? Buyers go back to Branford free?

Perhaps it's a good thing Lewis is busting the johns for a change: they generate a lot more sympathy from the public than the prostitutes do, and that can only help in the effort to decriminalize this activity.

But zoning is another matter. Nobody in a residential area should have to listen to the huffing and puffing of some pathetic lonely dude buying himself a little piece of "action" right outside their window. The city should set up a special "blow zone" where the lonely dudes could go to find sexual social workers willing to assist them in working out their problems. If nothing else, it would be fun to watch the Board of Aldermen wrangle over just where that zone should be.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 20, 2008 8:51 AM

First bill...wow not good..so where are these guys??

Second.heheh "Blow Zone"

Reality, our prostitutes are not like the ones in Vegas people. 9 out of 10 of them are there because of some kind of bad thing happening in there lives that allows them to have the mind set to "blow zone" men. Weather drugs or sexual abuse in their youth, you do not go out and "blow zone" men for a few buck and risk aids (if you do not already have it) and your dignity (unless it has already been taken). These men are contributing not only to the low level crime in our lower income community's..they are contributing to the self abuse that these women have excepted to be part of life!
DO NOT COMPARE THIS TO the one state that allows this. Those women make a fortune, have medical insurance 401k plans ect.! Not the same!
No matter how you pretty this up people it is plain and simply "ABUSE AGAINST A WOMEN!!!" It is VIOLENCE!!! STOP IT ALREADY!!!You people are making want to cry!!!!!!! These men for a few bucks get to get off on degrading a women that is in need!!! WTF

Posted by: Dawn | August 20, 2008 11:31 AM

do you know for a fact that the police department paid to have the pics, names, and address of these men "advertised" or is this just an assumption?

Posted by: Bill Saunders | August 20, 2008 12:40 PM

Cedarhill,

I don't know where those guys are, that's the scary part. Its not like the Salvation Army provides downtown housing at that address. Who knows if the Salvation Army is knowingly complicit in the charade. Always thought it would make in interesting news piece.

Also, remember, prostitution does not happen just between men and women. It is also prevalent between men and men. Sometimes even older married men, who are finally coming to grips with their
sexuality.

Dawn,

While I do not believe the Chief paid to 'advertise' the john's names in this case, he has previously stated that strategy is something he may try in the future.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 20, 2008 3:07 PM

Thank you Bill for correcting me. And yes the young men that sell themselves are defiantly forgotten. At most, my community sees women and of course our cross dresser(which I have not seen in some time). I do feel for them...but I do not want them doing business in my area. In the past New Haven as turned a blinds eye to these type of crime (low level) withe the excuse that they go in and out of court, it ties up the jail and the courts...but it is this neglected low level crime that destroys community's and invites other crime. It says its ok to break the law in New Haven the cops are cool they leave us alone!

As far as you Salvation Army thing. Paul can we get a story on why so many sex offenders are registered there and where they are now, and if someone is doing follow ups on them?? I know it is a place where they can get mail and many may be in shelters but it could be a news breaking story.

Posted by: dede | August 20, 2008 6:29 PM

Chief Lewis
While you publish the johns also do the pediphiles...we should know were they are living.near schools etc.

Posted by: dawn | August 20, 2008 7:48 PM

This site maps and keeps a database of sex offenders:

www.familywatchdog.us