National City authorities recently combated the persistent issue of prostitution by installing a surveillance tower known as the “Skywatch” tower. This initiative comes in response to the growing concerns of local businesses and residents about the visible presence of prostitution in the area, which is said to be an $800 million industry locally.
They placed the surveillance tower in the back lot of a business along Roosevelt Avenue. According to Lt. Vincent Fernando, who oversees the prevention efforts, the tower has cameras that record activities around it to discourage individuals from engaging in illegal transactions and gather evidence on those who do. The presence of the tower has indeed reduced foot traffic in the immediate vicinity, suggesting a decline in prostitution activities directly under its watchful eye.
Same issue, different locale
While a general deterrence is the goal, new reports indicate that the prostitution business simply shifted to other areas, notably along Dalbergia Street in San Diego, just north of Main Street. This relocation highlights a significant challenge in addressing prostitution: While surveillance can deter activities in one area, it often pushes the problem to nearby locations rather than eliminating it.
Local businesses have expressed mixed feelings about the surveillance tower. While some appreciate the immediate reduction in suspicious activities near their premises, others are concerned about the broader implications, including less foot traffic in the neighborhood. Bobby Barrera, an employee at San Diego Leather on Roosevelt Avenue, mentioned that while the initial presence of prostitution was shocking, the community had somewhat acclimated to it.
Safer Streets For All further complicates probable cause
The broader context of this initiative is framed by Senate Bill 357, also known as the Safer Streets for All Act. This legislation aims to protect individuals from discriminatory arrests based on the clothes they wear or their profession. Authorities say this legislation complicates enforcement efforts, as law enforcement officers like Lt. Fernando point out that it is more difficult to stop individuals.
County District Attorney Summer Stephan has been vocal about needing tougher penalties and more robust enforcement measures. She emphasizes that many individuals involved in prostitution are victims of sex trafficking, often coerced into the trade at a young age. Data from The Ugly Truth San Diego underscores the severity of the issue, with estimates of 3,000 to 8,000 sex trade workers each year.
Not really a solution
While the Skywatch surveillance tower in National City has had a localized impact on reducing prostitution, the displacement of activities to areas like Dalbergia Street underscores the complexity of the issue. It also proves that rehabilitation remains a true long-term solution, while severe penalties and heightened law enforcement presence alone do not reduce overall criminal activity.