Vancouver Police Department releases progressive video on sex-work enforcement guidelines

The Vancouver Police Department has extended an olive branch to sex workers.

In a new video, it explains that its focus is on safety, respect, and building relationships with people in the industry.

"The Vancouver police don't believe you are a bad person and won't judge you just because you do sex work," the video states. "In fact, sex work between consenting adults is not an enforcement priority for us."

Instead, its enforcement guidelines zero in on the sex trade when it involves children and youth, violence, gangs, criminal exploitation, and organized crime.

The video also acknowledges that "sex workers have not felt safe to trust the police".

The VPD is hoping that its guidelines will change that and lead to greater mutual respect.

"Sex workers' safety is our priority," the video emphasizes.