NCJ Number
169704
Journal
Telemasp Bulletin Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1996) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1996
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This bulletin presents findings from a survey to determine the structure, policies, and operations of 18 Texas agencies that regulate sexually oriented businesses (SOB's) in their jurisdiction.
Abstract
Of the 18 agencies, 16 reported that they had SOB's operating in their jurisdictions, and 2 reported that they used to. Selling sexually explicit books and magazines was the most common SOB reported. Eight agencies reported partially nude male dancing establishments. Half as many nude and partially nude male dancing establishments were in operation compared to female nude and partially nude establishments. Only two agencies reported having bathhouses in their jurisdictions. Sixteen agencies reported having a unit assigned to the regulation of SOB's. Most of these units shared other duties such as general investigations, narcotics, or other special assignments. Twelve respondents reported having departmental procedures pertinent to the regulation of SOB's. Ten agencies reported that officers assigned to the SOB unit do not receive any special training; eight agencies reported that they provide training in ordinances and statutes. The agencies did not report any significant crime in or close to SOB's, thus disputing the common belief that SOB's foster serious crime within the business and in the neighboring community. The violations associated with SOB's that received the most attention are prostitution, obscenity, and sex acts on the premises. The vast majority of the regulatory action taken against SOB's did not emanate from public complaints or any other agency; rather, arrests occurred because of independent action taken by SOB unit officers who were monitoring the operation of the establishments. Warrants were secured for primarily misdemeanor violations; warrants were usually executed simultaneously in raids on a number of SOB's. 9 tables and 10 references