10-16-2007

Its one of the oldest professions in the book, we're talking about prostitution and while police say the number of cases have been down in recent years in Corpus Christi, it continues to be a constant problem on our streets.

The Corpus Christi Police Department patrols and conducts what is called, "John Stings" at area hot spots for prostitution like the intersection at Staples and Mary.   Now, they are logging on and using the internet as a tool to fight the problem, police say typically leads to other crimes in the city.

The police department is posting mugshots and the names of those who are arrested for prostitution or solicitation on their website, ccpolice.com.  Police hope it will show both the "Johns" and the prostitutes that if they are caught, their faces will be available for everyone to see, including their families.  People we spoke with who have seen prostitution in their neighborhoods believe this new tool is a good idea.

Bill Inman says, "I've seen a lot of prostitution out here over the last couple of years I've been around here.  It has gotten much better, but it still needs a lot of work."

Capt. Mark Schauer with the Corpus Christi police department says, "It seems to grow, then decrease, it all depends on issues we have no control over, but when we put the pressure on I think it will make a difference."

-Bill Churchwell