Affidavit of Michael Bear - Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry

[27] It is conceded that the sexual exploitation of our youth is a serious
problem in our city. Fortunately, through the office of the Coordinator of
the Sexually Exploited Youth Strategy under Family Services and Housing,
initiatives are being taken about which I will speak about later. However,
there is no doubt that more needs to be done when we hear that 400 children
a year are being exploited in the visible sex trade and even more in the
invisible sex trade. In some way public awareness must be raised so the
public accepts the fact that sexual exploitation of addicted youth is child
abuse, is unacceptable and must be combated strenuously.
What should the response be?
[28] Although the evidence presented at the inquest demonstrated many
initiatives being undertaken, one was left with the frustration of many
roadblocks (evidentiary, legally, multi-disciplinary and resource wise)
preventing an effective response.
[29] Detective Sergeant Coates of the Winnipeg Police Service spoke to
many of these frustrations from an enforcement point of view. At the
present time the investigation of youth being sexually exploited is complaint
driven. The complaint can come from a variety of sources - parents
(difficult children), group homes (runaways), schools/teachers (observing
signs of addiction, absenteeism), neighbours (street traffic).
[30] Unfortunately, due to high rates of serious crime, lack of resources
and limited results, kids on the street, at the present time, are not a high
priority.
[31] These factors coupled with the lack of cooperation given by the
sexually exploited youth due to a myriad of factors such as need for a source
of drugs for their addiction, threats by their suppliers, shame, and guilt make
for a frustrating experience for law enforcement.
[32] The third major factor, after low priority and lack of cooperation, is
the limited power to intervene. Without an act being observed or being
complained about, the police lack reasonable and probable grounds to
intervene and conduct a criminal investigation. There are powers to
apprehend if, in need of protection, but trying to ascertain runaways, missing
persons and others is a difficult task without coordination, exchange of
information and a multi-disciplinary approach.
[33] The description given by Detective Sergeant Coates of the large
number of 11-17year old females being groomed to earn money by sexually
exploiting themselves to buy drugs either on the street or in crack houses is