In 2016, California passed SB1322 that decriminalized the acts of prostitution for sex-workers under the age of 18. Many traffickers use sex-workers under 18 years of age because it insulates them. This law, coupled with SB203 (2020), makes it virtually impossible for law enforcement to engage with under-aged sex-workers to the point where rescue intervention is restricted.

In 2021, California passed SB357 that repealed the law that makes it a crime to loiter with intent to commit prostitution and applicable evidence is no longer enforceable, including dress and geographical location as a reason to investigate acts of prostitution. Law enforcement can no longer use the misdemeanor crime of loitering to investigate and enforce the crime of prostitution. Law enforcement can no longer solely use their expertise in identifying prostitutes through behaviors, even to make detentions of reasonable suspicion.

In 2021, then Assemblyman Jim Cooper, argued from the Assembly floor that SB357 along with SB1322 would make it increasingly more difficult for law enforcement to rescue sex trafficking victims. Now, in 2023, his words have proven to be true since SB357 and SB1322 have been signed into law.

The people who benefit the most from these laws are the traffickers since they know that the individuals they prey on are no longer allowed to be contacted by law enforcement.

Now Sheriff Cooper, along with our partner agencies, are demanding that SB357 and SB1322 be repealed so that law enforcement can have additional tools that will allow them to rescue sex-trafficking victims.