Authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings on the possible expansion of Section 10-608 of The Philadelphia Code to include the posting of the photographs and names of individuals accused or found guilty of soliciting prostitutes.

WHEREAS, Section 10-608 of the Philadelphia Code prohibits conduct involving violation of, solicitation to violate, and attempts to violate Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes; and

WHEREAS, Section 10-608 further provides for the seizure of any vehicle that is used in the commission of the prohibited conduct and a three hundred (300) dollar fine for the release; and

WHEREAS, Prostitution is a crime that seriously impacts the quality of life for residents of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, The victims of this crime are the law-abiding citizens whose neighborhoods suffer from the flagrant display of prostitution; and

WHEREAS, Other cities, including Denver, Colorado; Orlando, Florida; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; St. Paul, Minnesota and Kansas City, Missouri have posted the names and pictures of those who solicit prostitutes on the internet, on television or in local newspapers; and

WHEREAS, The posting of photographs and publication of names should act as a deterrent for individuals who choose to participate in prostitution; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Committee on Public Safety conduct hearings into the expansion of Section 10-608 of the Philadelphia Code; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Committee take testimony on current efforts to alleviate problems related to the solicitation of prostitutes in Philadelphia.

End