VAN NUYS : Police Told to Release Lists of Prostitutes’ Clients

Spurred by complaints of street prostitution in daylight along Sepulveda Boulevard, city officials directed the police Wednesday to compile weekly lists of the names of convicted customers of prostitutes for the media to publish or broadcast.

The Los Angeles City Council’s unanimous decision is aimed at reducing the number of hookers who prowl Sepulveda by publicly shaming the people who keep them in business.

“This will be a deterrent,” said Councilman Hal Bernson, who introduced the motion. Under his measure, the Police Department’s Van Nuys Division is to furnish newspapers, radio and television stations with weekly lists of those found guilty of picking up hookers in its jurisdiction. About a dozen people are arrested each week on suspicion of soliciting prostitutes in the Van Nuys area, authorities say.

It would remain at the discretion of the media whether to publicize the names. The list also would probably include at least partial addresses to avoid any confusion with people bearing the same or similar names, said Assistant City Atty. Byron Boeckman, whose office will scrutinize the measure.

In addition to major news organizations, Bernson said he would try to air the names over the city’s cable TV channel.