SFPD Conducts Enforcement Operations in the Capp Street Corridor 23-028

In the Fall of 2022, the San Francisco Police Department began conducting prostitution abatement and traffic enforcement actions in the Capp Street corridor of San Francisco’s Mission District. These operations arose out of community concerns regarding illegal prostitution, human trafficking, and traffic/pedestrian safety on the Capp Street corridor. Since operations began, officers have cited or arrested over 30 suspects for soliciting prostitution, issued nearly 150 traffic citations, and provided multiple resources for sex workers. The community should expect to see operations like these for the foreseeable future.  

Community members voiced their concerns to SFPD about illegal sex workers in the area. The SFPD launched a multi-pronged plan to address these concerns. This plan includes conducting decoy operations where undercover officers pose as sex workers. The “johns” that solicit the undercover officer are detained and cited for soliciting prostitution (647(b)(1) PC).  

In addition, officers from Mission Station and the SFPD Traffic Company have increased patrols in the Capp Street area. Officers have issued nearly 150 citations for failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to stop at a red light, speeding, and driving without headlights.  

Lastly, the SFPD understands that sex workers are often the victims of human trafficking. The sex workers encountered by SFPD during these operations were not cited for sex-related offenses but instead were provided resources that will help them transition out of the sex work industry.  

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please see the resource contact:  

National Human Trafficking Hotline: (888) 373-7888 or text “BeFree” to 233-7888 

San Francisco Bay Area Human Trafficking Hotline: (415) 907-9911