Largo Prostitutes, Look Out

The Largo City Commission voted unanimously Monday to approve an amendment to an ordinance that will make it easier for police officers to arrest suspected prostitutes.

Ordinance No. 2013-41 will allow Largo Police to make an arrest based on public behavior that is consistent with a verified pattern of solicitation that usually precedes an act of prostitution.

In the past, officers had been stymied by loopholes in city and state laws that made it easier for prostitution suspects to avoid arrest.

“The prostitutes that have been arrested multiple times have found a way of screening us,” said Sgt. Michael Bruno said at the April 2 commission meeting, adding that prostitutes usually ask for some inappropriate behavior to be shown by the undercover officer before proceeding.

“That typically ends our ability to enforce state statutes.”

Commissioner Michael Smith expressed thanks to Sgt. Bruno on Monday night for opening his eyes to the issue, and he asked to be updated on its effectiveness.

"I would like to thank you for filling me in on this. ... I appreciate it," Commissioner Smith said. "I hope that you can provide updates on how this helps with enforcement moving forward with this ordinance."

"Absolutely," Sgt. Bruno replied.

Monday was the second and final reading of the ordinance, and it passed by a vote of 4-0. Three members of the commission were absent from the meeting — Mayor Pat Gerard and Commissioners Woody Brown and Robert Murray.

The amended ordinance was originally passed by the commission on first reading on April 2.

Related: 

• Largo Tightens Rules on Prostitution

• Leaders Look to Tighten Rules Regarding Prostitution

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