POLICE SEIZE JOHNS' VEHICLES

Released on May 6, 2002

The Regina Police Service seized the vehicles of 16 "johns" over the

weekend during a pilot operation under the Vehicle Seizure to Deter

Prostitution program. The Vehicle Seizure program, which is being

implemented under The Highway Traffic Amendment Act, 2001, gives police the

authority to seize and impound a vehicle if there is a reasonable belief it

was used to commit an offense under sections of the Criminal Code that

relate to procuring sexual services and prostitution.



"Keeping our communities safe is a top priority of this government and

protecting children and youth from individuals seeking sexual services is

an important part of that commitment," Justice Minister Chris Axworthy

said. "By seizing vehicles, we hope to keep children safe, significantly

reduce traffic in the neighbourhoods, and improve the quality of life

there."



"The exploitation of people through the sex trade, especially children, is

something none of us should want or tolerate in our communities," Regina

Police Service Chief Cal Johnston said. "The Regina Police Service intends

to use this legislation extensively and vigorously in an attempt to curtail

prostitution on our streets."



Under the new act, if any person in the vehicle, including a passenger, is

convicted of an offence under Sections 211, 212 or 213 of the Criminal

Code, the vehicle will automatically be forfeited to the Crown. The

vehicle will be returned only if no one in the vehicle is convicted, or if

everyone in the vehicle attends an approved program to educate offenders,

or if other reasonable grounds for the vehicle's release are established.

Failure to complete such an approved "john school" program will result in

suspension of the individual's driver's licence for one year.



The new program was developed as part of the response to recommendations of

the Legislative Special Committee to Prevent the Abuse and Exploitation of

Children Through the Sex Trade. The legislation was proclaimed April 1st,

2002.



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For more information, contact:



Debi McEwen Elizabeth Popowich,

Saskatchewan Justice Regina Police Service,

Regina Regina

Phone: (306) 787-6043 Phone: (306) 777-6364