Wed, Feb 3, 2010
North Texas is expecting thousands of visitors for the NBA All-Star Weekend, but Dallas police are also making plans to deal with some unwelcome visitors -- prostitutes.
“We have been told from other cities that there is going to be an increase in prostitutes,” Lt. Christina Smith said.
A nonprofit group in Phoenix estimates that between 50,000 and 100,000 prostitutes flooded its city during Super Bowl XLII last year. Dallas police said they don't know what to expect from the All-Star Game.
“I think it’s safe to say we will see some girls that are the traditional street prostitute, and fair to say, we can expect more of the escort-service type of girls," Smith said.
The department is taking a page from the playbooks of other cities that have hosted high-profile sporting events, such as the NBA All-Star Game.
To prepare, the vice unit is adjusting officers' schedules and hours so that all hands are on deck next week. Dallas police said they will focus on prostitution hot spots, such as Harry Hines Boulevard, as well as high-end hotels.
“The escort-service girls will be found around the hotels, where a lot of the clients will be staying," Smith said.
Police said nearly every hotel has hired off-duty officers to work next weekend.
Dallas police said the All-Star Game will be good practice for next year's Super Bowl in Arlington.
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local-bea...-83411022.html