The Atlanta Police Department says removing prostitutes from certain neighborhoods may be the only way to combat it, but social workers have demanded police back off.
Residents attending the meeting said that it's not just prostitution that is the problem, but other things that come with it.
"The big one is drug activity. You know, for example, Ponce Boulevard, prostitutes are turning tricks and as soon as the john drops them back off, the drug dealer comes in," said Steve Gower, a Midtown resident.
Residents were outnumbered by social workers at the meeting, who tried to persuade lawmakers and law enforcement to produce resources to help the females instead of finding new ways to put them in jail.
"Warehousing people cost a lot of money; there are alternatives," said one woman.
Police officers stressed that the ordinance affects female and male prostitutes as well as the "johns" and anyone else involved.
City Councilmember Michael Bond said that there will not be a vote on Tuesday; the council will try and incorporate some of the ideas brought up at the meeting into the ordinance.
A group of metro Atlanta business community leaders are pledging $10.5 million to improve one of the state's busiest and most congested freeway interchanges.
A group of metro Atlanta business community leaders are pledging $10.5 million to improve one of the state's busiest and most congested freeway interchanges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:23 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:23:35 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:36 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:28:25 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:24 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:24:23 GMT
Atlanta fire crews are battling a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown.
Atlanta fire crews battled a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown on Wednesday morning. Authorities say the fire sparked at United Transmission Service, which is located at 350 Marietta Street NW.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
