SEX FOR SALE IS LEGAL
inappropriate.”Sex workers charity ScotPep, who want to see tolerance zones set up in towns and cities across Scotland, criticised the police operation.
ScotPep chair Nadine Scott added: “Raiding the saunas in 2013 has had many very bad outcomes.
“I ’ m not surprised at al l that this agreement existed and I would be surprised if women at the time didn’t know about it.”
Police have said they remain committed to helping sex workers, while also targeting illegal activity in the industry.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal, head of public protection, said: “The focus we have placed on public protection has led to greater awareness and understanding across Scotland of human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children and adults.
“Our prostitution policy places a strong emphasis on support for those exploited into working in the sex industry but also restates our commitment to tackling criminality within that arena.”
The man responsible for pol icing in Edinburgh, Chief Superintendent Kenny MacDonald, added: “We will continue to do everything we can to ensure people who may be being exploited in this way have confidence to seek help and are provided with routes out of prostitution if they so wish.
“Where the pol ice have information regarding organised criminal activity or the coercion or exploitation of individuals, the public would rightly expect us to respond.”
Sheriff McIver declined to comment last week.