Led by Captain Chris Domagalski, "Operation Red Light" has been a proven effect tool combating the already decreasing prostitution market within District #3's geographical boundaries. As many native Milwaukeeans have known for years, certain areas of the city were known as "prostitution alley"these areas are now safer and cleaner for families due to the work of our Milwaukee Police Department, Assistant District Attorney and others.Operation Red Light, formulated by Officer Steve Witkowski, includes a focused multi-faceted approach to targeted areas using a host of innovative techniques and procedures to deal with prostitution. There are three main focus areas which includes a portion of 27th Street. These areas are targeted based on police data. It begins at the street level with social agencies focusing on outreach. "Enforcement Day" the next step, which is actually several days focusing on both supply (prostitutes) and demand (Johns') is the sweep or enforcement side. There have been approximately 45 arrest under this program.These arrest have led to criminal charges and tickets. Sentencing for the criminal cases can range from a fine and up to 9 months in jail, 1 year of probation, or 1 year in prison for habitual offenders. The judge determines the sentence. Several local faith based programs have been contacted to work with the women giving them choices to deal with the real problems usually drug and/or physiological or sexual abuse. Captain Domagalski is currently working on the John School approach that could possibly include a ticket of $500 or more, education on STD's, and neighborhood testimony about the affects of this behavior on a community. Both prostitutes and Johns' once prosecuted for the crime may have geographical restrictions placed on them by the Court or Department of Corrections.
