Prostitutes National City
Surveillance and Persistent Problems
National City faces ongoing challenges with street prostitution. The National City Police Department installed a video surveillance tower to combat the persistent issue. This followed increased visibility of sex workers on city streets, particularly in areas like Dalbergia Street in Barrio Logan.
Legislative Impact on Enforcement
A significant factor cited is California Senate Bill 357 (SB 357). This law repealed previous statutes banning loitering for the intent of prostitution. Mayor Ron Morrison stated this change has made enforcement more difficult, claiming sex workers are now emboldened.
He described seeing women in minimal clothing openly parading sidewalks, sometimes standing in traffic.
Enforcement Actions and Community Impact
Law enforcement actions continue. Operation Better Pathways, an undercover sting targeting prostitution and human trafficking, resulted in 48 arrests. Search warrants are regularly served in trafficking investigations. Despite these efforts, including a recent human trafficking crackdown leading to 46 arrests, the problem persists. Residents and businesses report it remains out of control.
Business Consequences and Hotspots
The impact is felt locally. Businesses in National City and nearby Barrio Logan report suffering due to the alleged rise in visible sex work. Some attribute this directly to SB 357. Specific locations, like the Rodeway Inn on Interstate 5 in National City, have been repeatedly identified as hotspots for prostitution and potential trafficking.
Adapted Police Strategies
Police strategies involve both high-tech tools like the surveillance tower and traditional operations. The department collaborates with the District Attorney on anti-trafficking efforts. However, the repeal of the loitering law has complicated enforcement, forcing police to adapt their approach to a problem deeply affecting these San Diego communities.
*TAGS* – Dalbergia Street prostitution, SB 357 loitering repeal, Rodeway Inn trafficking hotspot
