Pubdate: Mon, 20 Dec 2004 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2004 The Edmonton Journal Contact: http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Author: Natasha Laurence SPEND MONEY ON PROGRAMS, NOT KEEPING WOMEN IN JAIL At the risk of being labelled a bleeding heart, I would like to support Kate Quinn's call for practical compassion in the case of street prostitutes ("Sting angers sex workers' advocate," The Journal, Dec. 11). While there is no doubt that the prostitutes' presence in our community is disturbing and sometimes frightening, I question the long-term sustainability of the enforcement model currently used in Edmonton. Spending four months in the over-crowded human rights wasteland Edmontonians call the Remand Centre because she can't get bail will do nothing to enhance a woman's employability or life skills. It will not improve her mental or physical health. And it's doubtful it will treat her addiction should she happen to have one. Chances are, four months later, she will be right back where she started. I don't believe there is a person in Edmonton who wants prostitutes safely off the street more passionately than Kate Quinn. I would like to trust that passion. In the interest of fairness maybe the municipal and provincial government could give Quinn the financial equivalent to the resources used in Operation Girl Interrupt, i.e. the man-hours of 50 police officers over four months and the Remand Centre care time for 50 women times 120 days. By my reckoning, keeping them at the Remand Centre will cost close to $1 million. Properly funded, Kate's practical, compassionate approach to street prostitution -- already proven successful on a small scale -- may be the sustainable solution we seek. Natasha Laurence, Edmonton - --- MAP posted-by: Beth