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Comparison of Financial Lucrativeness and Safety in the World of Online and Offline Prostitution: An Exploratory Study of Perceptions and Experiences of Law Enforcement

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Abstract

To date, there is a gap in the literature exploring the perceptions and experiences of law enforcement regarding enforcement of online and offline prostitution. As there are multiple fallacies regarding the benefits of online prostitution versus offline prostitution, the purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of law enforcement in the United States regarding the financial lucrativeness and lifestyle of those who prostitute online compared to those who sell sexual services offline. Findings indicated that law enforcement believed online prostitutes grossed more money for their services and also demonstrated a cleaner, more polished lifestyle. However, the majority of respondents still believed both types of prostitution to be dangerous.

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Notes

  1. This is principally based on race, with the most common restriction leveled against black men. We do not know whether this is based on negative perceptions about black men as johns or a restriction prostitutes believe white johns find appealing. There is nothing in the literature addressing this point.

  2. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the lead researchers’ University.

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Correspondence to Catherine D. Marcum.

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Sparks, E.P., Marcum, C.D., Clevenger, S.L. et al. Comparison of Financial Lucrativeness and Safety in the World of Online and Offline Prostitution: An Exploratory Study of Perceptions and Experiences of Law Enforcement. Am J Crim Just 45, 332–348 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-019-09509-0

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