24-136 Report John Program

The purpose of this Notice is to announce the Department's launch of a "Report John" program. This program allows the community and Department members to submit tips that sex buyers, or "Johns," (a term used by sex workers) were observed engaging in solicitation or other prostitution-related offenses. The goal of this initiative is to use a community-driven approach to target demand in order to decrease the exploitation of sex workers.

Community members may submit tips through SFPD's website.

Department members may submit tips through Department-email at redacted.

Tips will be reviewed by a designated member of the Human Trafficking Unit to ensure they meet the minimum requirements, including a valid license plate for the vehicle. Photographs of the vehicle and observed solicitation are preferred. Once the information has been vetted, a letter of visibility, also known as a "Dear John Letter," will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. These letters of visibility provide education and deterrence, deny sex buyers the confidentiality that most desire in their pursuit of paid sex, and alert individuals of the consequences of engaging in high-risk behavior.

This demand reduction tactic will be used as a deterrent in conjunction with ongoing enforcement efforts.

SFPD Tips and Reporting Procedures:
Members should attempt to obtain a photograph of observed solicitation including: the vehicle, license plate, and the sex worker. If a photograph is not feasible, members may notify dispatch and create a CAD entry documenting the incident. No police report is required.

Members should submit tips through Department-email to redacted The following should be included in the email:

1. Date, time, and location of the observed activity
2. Vehicle description (make, model and color, etc.) including the license plate
3. Brief description of what was observed (person waving to passerby, stopping and engaging with person(s) in vehicle, having a short conversation before entering the vehicle, etc.)
4. Photograph and/or CAD number

Community Reporting Procedures:
Community members may submit anonymous tips through SFPD's website. Community members are encouraged to submit as much information as possible, including a photograph, if feasible.

• Reportees will be confidential, to the extent permitted by law.
• Reportees should keep a safe distance from criminal activity.

While not all fields are mandatory, the following information may be provided in a community tip:

1. Date, time, and location of the activity
2. Description of the observed activity
3. Vehicle description, including license plate
4. Driver description, if known
5. Photo(s) of the incident
6. Contact information

If appropriate, a letter of visibility or "Dear John Letter" will be sent to the registered owner's address. A copy of the letter is attached to this Notice.

Questions regarding this program including the visibility letters, should be directed to the Human Trafficking Unit redacted.

/s/
WILLIAM SCOTT 
Chief of Police

Per DN 23-152, all sworn & non-sworn members shall electronically acknowledge this Department document in PowerDMS within (30) thirty calendar days of issuance. Members whose duties are relevant to this document shall be held responsible for compliance. Any questions regarding this policy should be sent to [email protected] who will provide additional information.