DC implements
Prostitution Free Zones
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The policy of prostitution free zones went into emergency effect on September 1 on the DC streets and will likely be followed by many more. New zones were announced on Septermber 22. The following information is for people who are concerned about these zones. The legislation that allows the Chief of Police to name areas as prostitution free zones has been passed only on an "emergency" basis, and the law is not yet permanent. We have encouraged the city to take other approaches to the issue of prostitution as part of the Alliance for a Safe & Diverse DC.

Where are the current zones?
There are no zones currently in effect.

Previous Zones
On Friday, September 22, the police announced two zones along Eastern Avenue NE. The boundaries of one zone create a triangle shape: Eastern Avenue, Rhode Island Avenue and Newton Street. The other zone is bounded by Eastern Avenue, Foote Street, 59th Street and 60th Street. These zones will be in effect until October 2. On Sunday, September 24, two transgender women were shot near the second zone. Although we do not know why they were in the area, it is telling that the police have put many resources in the area to focus on arresting suspected sex workers, but not protecting transgender women from violence. Different Avenues condemns the violence against the transgender women and wishes them speedy recovery to full health.

On September 8, police blocked off streets at 13th and "Eye" St NW. Some people in this area reported seeing armored vehicles and large police presence to clear people off of the streets. That first prostitution free zone was in affect from 1st-10th of September. The zone was bordered by 14th ST NW, L St, 13th St, and I St. Another zone in affect from the 8th -17th of September had its borders as 12th Street, M Street, N Street, 10th Street, all in NW. These areas are marked by posters that state "this is a prostitution free zone. "

 What can happen to people in the Zone?
The prostitution free zones give the police a lot of power. If the police think that you and others are in the zone to engage in prostitution or prostitution related activities, they are supposed to advise you that the area is a "prostitution free zone." They will tell you to leave the area immediately. Failure to obey the officer could result in arrest without a second warning. People convicted by under this law can be fined up to $300.00 or thrown in jail for 180 days .

 But what happens if I have a reason to be in the area?
We are not sure of what will happen if you try to explain this to the police. Officially the police have said that people gathering to engage In "acceptable group activities" such as "distributing campaign literature, collecting names on petitions, soliciting community support, discussing religious or political topics, or meeting for other lawful purposes" can still gather in the zones. If you are arrested in the zone and you need help immediately then call HIPS hotline right away. If you want to file an incident report for *any* reason, Different Avenues has a form you can fill out and we can refer you to lawyers who can help. Its important that we protect our rights and challenge unfair harassment and arrest.

If you have any questions, comments or if you have had a problem with the police like brutality or harassment, if you want to talk to someone to find out more about the prostitution free zones, or to fill out an incident report contact a staff member @ Different  Avenues 202 829-2103 or email erika @ differentavenues.org. If you need immediate services or want to ask questions on the weekend or at night then you can call a 24 hour hotline run by Helping Individual Prostitutions Survive (HIPS) 1800-676-HIPS.