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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Arrest prostitutes

Upon reading and hearing about the city of Spokane’s new proposed “John ordinance” involving prostitution on the streets of Spokane, I want to laugh but can only find sorrow in how far the prostitution trade has gotten out of hand since the 1980s.

Then, city police had a top-notch vice unit and made regular arrests upon the main problem: the prostitutes themselves. Without a vice unit, this ordinance proposal is a farce. Uniformed officers are at a definite disadvantage. Police administrators have not learned one thing since the Yates homicides.

Having made more prostitution arrests per year in this state as a vice detective than any other detective, I know what I’m talking about. Please listen, and look at West Side cities’ ordinances involving prostitution and learn a valuable thing or two.

John Kallas

Retired vice detective

Spokane Valley

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