Is Prostitution Legal in Campbell, California?
No, prostitution is illegal throughout California, including Campbell. Under Penal Code 647(b), engaging in or soliciting sex work is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Campbell Police Department enforces “John Suppression Operations” targeting buyers and traffickers. Unlike some Bay Area cities with diversion programs (e.g., San Francisco’s FIRST), Campbell focuses on criminal prosecution. Recent operations along Bascom Avenue and San Tomas Expressway resulted in 17 arrests in Q1 2024.
What Are the Biggest Health Risks for Sex Workers in Campbell?
Violence and STIs are the most immediate threats. 68% of street-based sex workers report physical assault, while clinic data shows chlamydia/gonorrhea rates 5x higher than county averages.
How Can Sex Workers Access Medical Care Safely?
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center offers confidential STI testing and needle exchanges. Their FACES program provides free:
- HIV PrEP prescriptions
- Trauma counseling
- Overdose-reversal naloxone kits
No ID or insurance required. Located at 2400 Moorpark Ave, San Jose (10 mins from Campbell).
Where Can Sex Workers Find Help Leaving the Industry?
Community Solutions (San Jose) runs the county’s primary exit program:
- 24/7 hotline: (408) 779-2115
- Emergency shelter beds
- Vocational training partnerships with West Valley College
What Legal Protections Exist for Trafficking Victims?
Under CA Penal Code 236.1, victims can:
- Clear prostitution convictions through vacatur petitions
- Access victim compensation funds ($70K max for therapy/housing)
- Receive immigration visas (T/U) with police cooperation
How Does Prostitution Affect Campbell Neighborhoods?
Concentrated activity near Winchester Blvd motels correlates with 22% higher property crime. Police use NUMA (Nuisance Abatement) laws to fine property owners $2,500/day for allowing solicitation.
How to Report Suspected Trafficking Anonymously?
Call Campbell PD tip line: (408) 871-5190 or text “CAMPBELLPD” + tip to 847411. Signs to note:
- Minors in hotel rooms daytime
- Excessive “visitor” traffic at residences
- Branding tattoos (e.g., barcodes, dollar signs)
How Do Campbell’s Policies Compare to San Jose or Santa Clara?
Unlike San Jose’s decriminalized “Mountain View model” for independent workers, Campbell mandates arrest-first approaches. Key differences:
| City | Policy | Arrest Rate (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Campbell | Criminalize all parties | 142 |
| San Jose | Divert sellers, target buyers | 89 |
| Santa Clara | Rehab programs for all | 43 |
Critics argue Campbell’s approach pushes workers into riskier unmonitored areas.
What Should You Do If Arrested for Solicitation in Campbell?
Invoke your right to counsel immediately. The Santa Clara County Public Defender offers:
- Pre-arraignment case review (72hr window)
- Deferred entry of judgment (DEJ) for first offenders
- Expungement assistance after probation
Never discuss alleged activities without an attorney present. Police stations record all conversations.
How Is Campbell Preventing Youth Exploitation?
Campbell Union High School District implements “Exploitation Red Flags” curriculum in health classes covering:
- Online groomer tactics (e.g., gift “love bombing”)
- Financial coercion patterns
- Reporting pathways to counselors
Since 2022, referrals to the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) increased 40% among local teens.
