Should Johns’ Names, Photos Be Publicized?

Last year, Councilman Hal Bernson resurrected an idea that was unsuccessfully tried 13 years ago: publicizing the names of johns, men arrested soliciting prostitutes.

Bernson proposes broadcasting names and photos of arrested men on the city’s cable television station. However, the Police Department has warned that johns are frequently not photographed and that doing so would cost the city almost $400,000.

And, the city attorney’s office warns that one mistake could leave the city open to a lawsuit. The matter is being reviewed by the Police Commission.

While critics argue that such a program is a wasteful and unnecessary invasion of privacy, some residents say they are grateful for anything that might reduce prostitution.

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Should the names and photos of men arrested soliciting prostitutes be publicized?

Councilman Hal Bernson:

“Absolutely. Why should we not publish them, provided they have been arrested. All we are doing now is giving them a slap on the wrist, a $500 fine. They don’t even have to appear. It’s like we’re condoning it. . . . If we’re really serious about doing something about prostitution on the streets . . . they should be identified. . . . We provide the names of people who are arrested all the time before the trial. We’re setting up a double standard here. . . . It makes me think the police and city attorney are not serious about doing something about prostitution.”

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Don Schultz, president of the Van Nuys Homeowners Assn.:

“We support Councilman Bernson’s position of publishing the names and even the pictures [of men arrested soliciting prostitutes]. . . . What we get in our neighborhood are street prostitutes. . . . It is not a victimless crime at this level. The neighborhood is the victim. . . . These johns often--rather than spending the money on a hotel room--’date’ in the car. It destroys the quality of life and all the neighbors are subjected to this.”

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Albert I. Kaufman, Encino civil rights lawyer:

“I’m concerned it may be a violation of the right of privacy. . . . This is something I view as a low-end crime, or what has been called a victimless crime, although many people disagree with that tremendously. I’m concerned that by publicizing the names of men who solicit prostitutes the government, or the people who release the information, or the media, is simply making the problem worse and may contribute to the breakup of families.”

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Bert Boeckmann, Los Angeles Police Commissioner and Valley businessman:

“Sure, it would discourage some people. . . . Unfortunately, it has turned into a real problem in some neighborhoods. In fact, I just found out that people on Sepulveda Boulevard have been using one of my [car dealership’s] parking lots. So whatever we can do to control it, I’m certainly for it. . . . I think for most men, they would not want their picture published. . . . [As to lawsuits], I think we have to be sure that we’re accurate, but I do not have any undue concerns.”

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