SFPD Launches Dear John Program to Reduce Prostitution and Human Trafficking 24-136

Vimeo Video Detailing "Dear John" Listed Below

The San Francisco Police Department has launched the "Dear John" program, the latest in a series of efforts to crack down on prostitution and human trafficking in the city's Mission District and other neighborhoods, Chief Bill Scott announced Tuesday.

SFPD has begun sending letters, and pictures, to the addresses of registered vehicles seen and captured on camera soliciting prostitution along Shotwell and surrounding streets.

These letters are designed to serve as a deterrent to individuals purchasing sex as part of the SFPD's commitment to reducing prostitution and human trafficking in the city.

Anyone who would like to get involved can go to sanfranciscopolice.org/prostitution to report prostitution activity and help stop human trafficking.

"Our residents deserve safe communities free from criminal activity," Chief Scott said. "This new program will make sure people soliciting prostitution will no longer have the anonymity they desire when engaging in this behavior"

The program is the latest effort by the SFPD to address prostitution and human trafficking. SFPD recently installed new mobile security units on Shotwell Street, and we've worked with SFMTA to install bollards to reduce traffic along the corridor.

SFPD is committed to addressing human trafficking in all forms.

Our officers work closely with advocacy partners to identify trafficking victims and connect them with essential services. Our Special Victims Unit actively encourages victims to participate in investigations, aiding in the building of strong cases to hold traffickers accountable.

SFPD places a strong emphasis on partnerships with community-based organizations to provide victims support, including counseling, legal assistance, and safe housing.

In addition, SFPD collaborates extensively with local, state, and federal partners to address human trafficking on multiple fronts, ensuring a coordinated response to this pervasive challenge.

For more information, please view our video detailing the program.