In a breakthrough move, the NYPDwill no longer take condoms from sex workers during minor arrests.
According to Gothamist, a release says that "condoms will be secured for safe keeping along with other items of personal property and returned to individuals after they are released from custody."
NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said that input from local health proponents led to the change in practice. "The NYPD heard from community health advocates and took a serious look at making changes to our current policy as it relates to our broader public safety mission." Bratton also noted that this was a "reasonable approach" to dealing with the community facing the greatest risk.
Many sex workers were previously afraid to carry condoms because they thought they would lose them during arrests. Hopefully, this new NYPD directive will alleviate those fears.
[via Gothamist]
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