Kelly Clark

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I am currently watching the Cops episode titled "Ho Ho Ho." I am a great supporter of law enforcement. They save me and others running toward the bullets etc. I am in awe of how they put their lives on the line, and work to keep order so that we are all safe. I also understand that just like in any field, there are good and naturally talented individuals, and those who are unhealthy and poor examples of a profession. I am always so offended when the bad examples of police officers are highlighted in the media, from those officers who are equally offended by the bad or ignorant actions of their peers. However, this particular episode of Cops is very offensive because I work for an agency that works with a police precent and the Circular Court system to educate communities on the wrong stigma of "prostitution." The officers involved are trained and work to help the women who are being exploited (over 90% of them were taken advantage of since before entering the life and have unbelievable horrific stories). Together we all work to help the women (and someday men) to get into counseling that will help them heal and learn how to become independent. Instead of the main focus being to criminalize the women/men, the agency I work for and law enforcement are focusing on the "tricks or johns" who are ignorant to their role in sustaining this exploitation. Some of these sex buyers do not understand that this is not a rite of passage and or have not given much thought to the behind the scenes of purchasing a human being other than this being an acceptable social norm. Then there are those, many in fact, that buy a sex worker to have control and entitlement over them, and are often even dangerous. The most focus is on the sex trafficker. There is still much to learn about the trafficker (not all of which are pimps). The law enforcement that our agency works with work hard to arrest this most significant position. In this dynamic the trafficker is often the most violent, criminal manipulator in sex trafficking, and who over 90% of the time begins by exploiting a teenager girl's heart and low self esteem. The violence that these exploitative relationships evolve to is unbelieveable. Almost all of the older sex workers that people see who are addicted to drugs or look ragged were exploited as a young teenager when they looked much better!! I have watched Cops episodes that resulted in feeling greatly disturbed when I see the police officers very concerned for the men they catch trying to purchase sex, and often show some disdain for the women. But I have attempted to console myself by saying this is the past, and that law enforcement is more educated on the dynamics of sex trafficking today. HOWEVER, when I saw the episode today, on 11/26/18, that was titled "Ho Ho Ho" followed by arresting women for prostitution, I could not remain silent!! The whole sex trafficking industry, which I will include pornography in, is criminal and ugly once a person truly understands the layers and dynamics of this business. Our Portland, Oregon Sex Trafficking Unit officers have evolved and grown to truly understand this. I look at officers of the law to be part of the solution and educating the communities which include exposing the appropriate criminals that exploit male and female children and teenagers. Such a title "Ho Ho Ho" is an offense to the truth that is suppose to be the value we count on law enforcement to support and stand on!!!! I understand that most people, including those of law enforcement, do not know what they do not know. I also know that sex trafficking is finally something that is being exposed universally! So can the show Cops be a part of the solution instead of perpetuating the old misogyny stereotypes and mis-information? I believe and highly value and respect officers of the law, and it is because of this that I took opportunity to post today. Thank you to the show Cops for the opportunity to post. This reflects the value of truth and problem solving!!