Assistant Professor Chris M. Smith and PhD Candidate Emily Hammond shed light on the complex landscape of 911 calls reporting sex work in Chicago neighborhoods from 2017 to 2020. This research explores how gender influences the nature and frequency of these complaints, offering important insights into community dynamics and law enforcement responses.
Key Insights:
- Gendered Patterns of Reporting: The researchers discovered significant differences in how complaints about sex work are reported based on the gender of the callers and those being reported. This gendered perspective reveals underlying biases that may affect how authorities handle these cases.
- Neighborhood Context Matters: The study highlights the critical role of neighborhood environments in shaping the frequency and type of complaints made. Factors such as socio-economic conditions and community attitudes toward sex work significantly influence how residents engage with law enforcement.
- Implications for Policing: The findings raise vital questions about the impact of gender biases on policing practices. By understanding the nuances of these complaints, law enforcement agencies can better address community concerns and improve their interactions with individuals involved in sex work.
This research not only illuminates the complexities of vice complaints but also emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of gender and community relations in the context of sex work. Harari, Smith, and Hammond’s work calls for a critical revaluation of how these issues are approached within the criminal justice system.
The full paper is available for further exploration of these important findings.