Sudbury police to continue tackling prostitution

Sudbury's Police Chief says he will continue to crack down on prostitutes and johns roaming the Sudbury streets even though an Ontario Appeals Court decision ruled that brothels should be legalized.

Frank Elsner said street-level prostitution remains an issue in Sudbury. He said he doesn't think bawdy-houses will keep prostitutes safe.

"I'm just not sure how hiding out of public view makes it safer for anyone," Elsner said.

"[We need to] take a hard line to the predators and the people making money and living off the backs of these women."

Elsner said he's leaving bawdy-houses in the hands of the government.

The decision to legalize brothels troubles Kevin Serviss, the executive director at the Samaritan Centre in Sudbury.

He said the court's resolution shows a lack of moral judgment.

Serviss said the focus needs to be on the deeper issues that drive a person to this lifestyle.

"A lot of them have their roots with regards to sexual abuse, [as well as] family issues and drug addiction and alcohol abuse at an early age," Serviss said.

The government has a year to make the court ruling law.

If passed, street level prostitution could become a home-based business.