On-Line Prostitution Investigation

[ChicagoGuy]

I'm wondering what it takes to make an arrest in a prostitution investigation in which the prostitute advertises on-line (Backpage, City Vibe, Verified Playmates, and a few others). I gave information to the Cook County Sheriff's Police over 6 months ago and then again almost 2.5 months ago. And gave detailed information to the Chicago Police just shy of 2 months ago. The woman operates out her apartment, has 1 or 2 other girls working for her, and sells cocaine also. Even after this, no arrest... yet. I would have thought that a few phone calls over a couple of weeks (at most) might win her confidence and result in an arrest. Is there more to it that that? What does such an investigation involve?

[Kimble]

It's really difficult to say without knowing what's going on within the departments (as I don't work for either agency you named), the priority of this case stacked against others they're working, etc. Keep in mind the crime you're reporting isn't the "crime of the century" and as one of the largest cities in the US, Chicago has it's fair share of murders, large-scale drug trafficking, organized crime and other violent offenses to investigate, as well as constant counterterrorism issues to address like any other large urban area with regular tourism. It's also entirely possible issues outside the department can delay an investigation, for example, a prosecutor may look at evidence uncovered in a criminal investigation and - while technically meeting the elements to prosecute - want to continue to build a stronger case. You have to also realize that as a source, the department doesn't just take your word on a case like this and go out arresting people, they have to verify through various means that what you told them is legit.

It's not uncommon for folks from the public to have a misconception based on movies and TV that providing police with intel on criminal activity will result in instant arrests. Sometimes it happens, but not always. More often than not, at least in my experience in working criminal investigations, things take time.

If you don't mind me asking, what's the "rush" in your mind with this matter being resolved so quickly?

[mcsap]

Unless you are willing to testify AND know all of these facts from personal observation....they would have to investigate to verify this info. They aren't going to kick down a door on your say so. It truly is a matter of " triage".

And then , you get into the issue of this is not the crime of the century in the big city.

[ChicagoGuy]

What's the rush? Well, I guess I don't understand the time frame on which these sorts of things evolve. I'm not a police officer and I don't play one on TV, so what do I know? While the points about priorities and this not being the "crime of the century" are well taken, I guess I was under the impression (wrongly I guess) that these sorts of things did not involve extensive investigation, although this I gathered from those not doing the actual work. I was told a few phone calls, an appointment, an exchange of funds for promised services, and that's about it. Or so I thought.

I guess my expectations were not grounded in any sense of the realities of what's involved and the priorities that, I suppose, limited resources dictate. And this situation that does not quite rise to the level of national security. This is a hooker, not Osama bin Laden.

Stated another way, a police office deadpanned to me that he has a job and lots to do until the day after the second coming. How many have such job security these days?

Another factor is that I hear through pretty reliable sources that I am still in touch with that her drug use and recklessness continues at an increasing clip. You may not believe me, but a factor in providing this information was the hope (likley more wishful thinking on my part I admit), that this might turn out to be a constructive, if painful turning point.

May still happen and I'm sure it's happened in the history of the world, even if it might be as rare as hen's teeth. However, I admit that these may well be the good intentions of the hopeful, yet woefully uninformed.

I've always thought that you or your comrades in arms paying a call is the best of a bad lot of possible outcomes. At least one in which everyone is still in one piece and continuing to function.

As far as testifying, I have witnessed and would if necessary. Cross that bridge when I come to it. And I have another question. Do the officers confiscate cell phones in this or drug-related cases? I'm guessing you do because they are a log of criminal activity, but I really don't know.

And thanks for your answers.

[Kimble]

Do the officers confiscate cell phones in this or drug-related cases? I'm guessing you do because they are a log of criminal activity, but I really don't know.

With proper legal authority we can, but we have to have that authority first. That authority can come from a warrant issued by a judge with proper jurisdiction, consent by the owner, abandoned property, search incident to arrest that discovers evidence of the crime... I could go on, but I'll spare you a detailed Constitutional Law class. Suffice to say police can't just go in and confiscate someone's property (even if it's possible it may contain evidence of criminal wrongdoing - even for the most serious of crimes) without proper legal authority. Doing so is called "fruit of the poisonous tree" and all evidence derived from the illegal search/seizure would be suppressed or thrown out in court.

[Piggy]

Not to be a smart a$$, but judging by the crime rate in Chicago, I would venture to say some hookers and blow are on the low priority list. There was an article last month that bodies were being stored in the morgue double stacked because they didn't have enough room.

[Legoate]

My department closed down two vice teams due to lack of money. That means other than federal grant funded underage prostitution, no prostitution work is being done at all in the city.

It's a matter of priorities.... with budgets cuts and lay offs, we are just trying to keep the homicides and robberies down.... prostitution is very low on the list of things we are going to go after.

[ChicagoGuy]

I guess I didn't realize the low priority such cases take. I suppose I should have, but I never thought much about it one way or the other.

But I guess its obvious if you think about it. Between the economic realities, what is likely a higher than average number of women turning to prostitution, the low barrier to entry of placing on-line ads, the large number of places one can place such an ad (Craigslist is hardly missed I suppose), cell phones, and the lack of law enforcement resources, it's a criminal activity that can and probably does flourish. And it does so in relative safety compared to past years. A perfect storm of sorts.

And well-suited to a woman who is intelligent, articulate, and had some acting experience in college. Never guess she is from a blue collar, working class area on SW side of Chicago.

I suppose if someone had explained this to me, I would not have been scratching my head wondering how she gets away with this for so long. In two cases, officers told me she would get a call within 24 hours and so my expectation was apparently not in line with reality. Well, at least I know.

In my business, I call this "managing the client's expectation." I realize we are talking about apples and oranges here, but the principle is the same. Within reason and mindful of the realities of a given situation, it's always a good idea to tell people what to expect. Although there may be good and valid reasons for not doing this in the present situation about which I am unaware.

I kept thinking, she has told me that she's good at picking up that a caller is a vice officer. An instinct she says. A sense of irritation in the man's voice or a lack of nervousness and sounding "naughty." Maybe so. Maybe in her own mind. I don't know. I never listened in.

I was wondering if she was that good or just lucky. Nevertheless, I'm guessing that an experienced officer has forgotten more about the elusive games these women play than the vast majority of prostitutes will ever learn.

However, I suppose the bottom line is "so many of them and so few of you."

So unless the landlord or neighbors scream (all of whom know, hold their collective noses, and look the other way) or something untoward happens that attracts lots of attention, she's likely to keep going for some time. Possible, as she was assaulted this past fall and roughed up in her own place. Said she slipped off an hiking trail in Central Illinois and took a nasty tumble. Right.

And there is a common perception is that this is "victimless." This probably tells the tale from the standpoint of those in the know who have seen men go in and out at all hours for some time.

This despite a city ordinance that could get a landlord in lots of trouble if he or she knowingly allows their rental to be used for a house of prostitution or a drug operation. Well, they could always say they didn't know. I'm sure it happens. Or they may have reported her long ago when they suspected. Who knows?

Again, thanks for your answers.