The State - News from Jan. 22, 1986

In an effort to help undercover police officers arrest prostitutes, the Los Angeles City Council voted to push for a change in the state Penal Code that would make it a crime to consent to a sex-for-money act, even if the police officer is the first to suggest it. The council members, in a unanimous vote, went along with a city attorney’s recommendation that they sponsor legislation in Sacramento that would enable undercover police officers to approach suspected street prostitutes and initiate conversations about money and sexual activities. Agreement would be grounds for arrest. As it is, first mention of sex for money must come from the prostitute before prosecutors will seek convictions, according to Reginald Dunn, chief of the city attorney’s criminal branch.