The “stop-demand” approach to prostitution makes men pay the price.

I’m in Brazos County, Texas, in a roadside motel room colored by the soft light of Bowhunter on the TV and a collection of police-issue iPhones.

“I know what the eggplant emoji is,” says one of the detectives in the twin-bed room, referring to an oft-used sexting symbol, “but do we know if the prosecutors will take it as an agreement for sex?”

As we wait, they give me a chance to write my own guesses on the operation whiteboard: the number of johns they’ll bust today, and of those busted, how many will cry, possess drugs, carry unlicensed guns, and have outstanding warrants. But before I finish, I’m interrupted by cheering plainclothed officers. Bowhunter’s Mike Carney has... Read More