Illicit Sexual Activity in Public Places

1. Illicit Sexual Activity in Public Places Kelly Dedel Johnson, Ph.D.One in 37 Research, Inc.1531 SE Belmont Street Portland, OR 97214 (503) 235-4053 kdj@onein37.com

2. Behaviors • Nude sunbathing • Flashing and streaking • Masturbation, either solitary or mutual • Fellatio • Vaginal or anal intercourse

3. What is “Public”? • Any space other than a private residence? • Spaces that are in public areas, but not in public view?

4. Why is it a Problem? • Can be offensive when inadvertently witnessed • Can deter the legitimate use of public spaces • May be related to spread of STD, HIV/AIDS

5. Why is it a Problem? • Discarded paraphernalia are unattractive and hazardous • Can attract a hostile audience, risk of violent crime • May be associated with excessive drinking

6. Participants • Males and females • Same-gender couples and groups • Opposite gender couples and groups

7. Locations • Organized public events • “Lovers’ Lane” • Public restrooms • Locker rooms • Parks, truck stops and highway rest areas

10. Postings: www.cruisingforsex.com • Directions • Key features • Level of uninterested foot traffic • Police activity • Safety tips

11. Motivations • Exhibitionism • Lack privacy • Want to be observed • Resist commitment

12. Transactions • Trading beads • Structured, sequenced patterns of interaction • Arranging interactions using the Internet

14. Collateral Consequences • Unwanted exposure • Unwelcome audience • Disease transmission • Violence

16. Responses: General Considerations • Balance enforcement with environment • Criticism of undercover and decoy operations • Partner with gay and lesbian leaders • Assess level of community tolerance

17. Posting Notices • Post notices in conspicuous locations through area in which behavior is problematic Lewd Conduct Laws Strictly Enforced. Lewd Acts in Public Are a Violation of 647(a) PC. All Areas In Park Are Public Places. Violators Will Be Arrested.

18. Issuing Warnings • Specific deterrence can be effective • Contact registered owners of cars parked in areas with high levels of public sexual activity • Potential to deter legitimate users is a concern

19. Creating Illusion of Surveillance • Decoy police vehicles • Video cameras • Notice of routine patrol

20. Deploying High Visibility Patrol • Foot patrol by police officers, park rangers, mall security guards • Substations

21. Using Private Security Firms • Patrol indoor and outdoor areas in shopping malls • Patrol campus grounds

22. Imposing “Stay Away” Orders • Condition of bail or probation • Stay away from specific geographical areas • Displacement is likely

23. Crackdown Law Enforcement • Large scale arrest campaigns • Interrupt entrenched patterns of behavior • Short-term effects only

24. CPTED-based Responses • Designating geographical boundaries • Improving lighting • Cutting back bushes and vegetation For more information: www.cpted.net

25. Redesign Restroom Facilities • Single use restrooms • Removing maze entry way increases opportunity for surveillance

26. Increasing Level of Desirable Activity • Relocate remote facilities • Increase foot traffic to area

27. Limiting Operation or Closing Facility • Protect hours of legitimate use, restrict operation during times when problem occurs • If problem persists, consider closing facility

28. Using the Media • Highlight community’s focus on problem • Publicize consequences • Beware of potential for backfire Bathroom Rendezvous: What's truly going on in the stall next to you? Paul Abling & Angela CitoCampus Press Staff Writers

29. Getting Locations Off the List • www.cruisingforsex.com • www.swingingheaven.com • Travel guides

30. Responses to Avoid • Decoy operations • Harassing or intimidating suspects