A senior Sheffield police officer has explained why South Yorkshire Police would rather see sex workers employed in saunas over attempting to pick up trade on the streets or in ‘pop-up brothels’.
Detective Superintendent Nikki Leach said the force’s ‘number one objective’ in their strategy around sex work is the ‘safeguarding’ of vulnerable men and women who are at risk of exploitation.
Another facet of South Yorkshire Police’s approach centres around ‘risk management,’ continued Det Supt Leach, explaining that if a sex worker is employed in establishments they can ‘engage with’ it means they can ‘risk assess’ and ensure ‘safe practices are going on’.