Houston Police Department

January 28, 2005 -- Thursday, January 27, 2005, Houston Police Department Vice Division officers conducted a prostitution sting operation in the area around Airline and Crosstimbers that resulted in the arrest of 27 persons. Vice Division Captain
Steve Jett reported that, initially, undercover officers arrested five females
for soliciting prostitution and hitchhiking in the area. Undercover female
officers then took their places and arrested 22 males for soliciting
prostitution in a period of 12 hours.

"We are responding to citizen complaints and will continue with this type of
operation anywhere in the city where we receive information that prostitution
is occurring," said Captain Jett. "Citizens are concerned for the safety of
their children who walk to and from school in the area as well as for their
own welfare," he added.

The prostitution law applies to anyone who offers or agrees to engage in a
sexual act for a fee. Often, the public perceives that only the prostitute
commits a criminal violation. Prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor
punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000.00 fine, or both.

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.