The Long Island serial killer has so far murdered ten women, some of them sex workers, and still remains at large. For many people in the sex trade, the work is a necessity because of the absence of other financially viable options, and they will continue to work even though there is a known active serial killer.
The Suffolk County Police Department has invited sex workers and allies to come forward with information that may help in the investigation of these crimes, and that is appreciated, but we are requesting that you formally establish amnesty for prostitution related offenses until the killer has been apprehended. Declaring amnesty would go a long way in demonstrating that the police are serious about prioritizing the lives of sex workers.
During this time of extreme anxiety following the discovery of the remains of at least 10 people, it is important for you to extend goodwill to people in the sex industry. Please take this important step to protect sex workers instead of prosecuting them.
Dear Commissioner Dormer and District Attorney Spota,
We the undersigned are allies to sex workers who live in Suffolk County/the greater New York City area and are writing to express concerns about the lack of protection police are offering to sex workers. During this time of extreme anxiety following the discovery of the remains of at least 10 people, it is important for you to extend goodwill to their community.
We appreciate that you have invited sex workers to come forward with information that may help in the investigation of these crimes, but we are requesting that you formally establish amnesty for prostitution-related offenses until the killer has been apprehended. Declaring amnesty would go a long way in demonstrating that the police are serious about prioritizing the lives of sex workers.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
