The Wichita City Council has passed an ordinance that will impound vehicles used immediately prior to or during the commission of a commercial sex act.
A first-time offender would have their vehicle impounded for 72 hours. The same amount of impound time would apply to a vehicle that is abandoned or if the suspect is not apprehended. For someone with a prior conviction of a comparable offense, the mandatory holding period would be 20 days.
Jennifer White, Executive Director of ICT-SOS, says she's in support of the new ordinance, aimed at curbing human trafficking. She says it will be a great tool to deter buyers while not further penalizing victims.
Wichita Police say that approximately 57 incidents per year would qualify for impoundment under the new ordinance.
