The NYPD will stop seizing condoms when arresting sex workers. According to a department release, for minor arrests, “condoms will be secured for safe keeping along with other items of personal property and returned to individuals after they are released from custody.”

The release states that condoms confiscated in other offenses that involve sex work, such as promoting prostitution (a charge brought against pimps) and sex trafficking cases, will continue to be held as evidence.

“This is a reasonable approach to targeting the most at risk community as it relates to safer sex practices and continuing to build strong cases against the vast criminal enterprise associated with prostitution,” NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said. “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.”

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