8/19/2015 – OKC, OK — The Oklahoma City Council seeks to give police more authority in targeting property owners who allow prostitution to occur on their premises.
Tuesday the OKC Council unanimously agreed to advance a proposal for final consideration regarding broadening the legal definition of a ‘Disorderly House’ to encompass the exterior and surrounding property owned or controlled by the business or homeowner.
Specifically; Adding prostitution crimes to the list of “open lot disturbance violations.” Verbiage was also added to clarify that the term “structure” includes the premises upon which the structure is located, all parking and pedestrian access.
Currently, the disorderly house ordinance targets drug dealing, prostitution and gambling which occurs inside a dwelling. Property owners found guilty can be fined up to $1,200 plus costs and fees and spend up to six months in jail.
If approved, enforcement would primarily fall into the hands of the Oklahoma City Police Department’s nuisance abatement unit.
An example of a sign the City of Oklahoma City forced a business owner to place on their property because of rampant street prostitution.
Police claim the goal is to work with property owners to seek a resolution to any problems occurring on their property.
Ideally, if law enforcement becomes aware of criminal activity occurring on a specific property they first make contact with the property owner and advise them on ways to address the problem before seeking a punitive remedy.
Police claim that property owners are usually voluntarily compliant.
The proposal is set for final consideration by the Oklahoma City Council on Sept. 1.
Below is a news story from 2011 where JohnTV’s own Brian Bates was interviewed regarding a judges ruling – forcing a local truck stop to clean up its act and stop rampant street prostitution occurring on their property.
The ordinance modification also addresses drug crimes. In particular, “possession of CDS” was removed from the ordinance (leaving “sale, distribution and use” only).
Supporting Materials:
- Current OKC ordinance regarding ‘Disorderly House.’ LINK
- Memo to OKC Council regarding amendments to the ‘Disorderly House’ ordinance. LINK
- City Council Financial Impact Report. LINK
- Emergency Ordinance. LINK
Below is additional video from the Five Star Truck Center before the City of Oklahoma City forced them to stop rampant prostitution occurring on their property…