DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently moved to a residential neighborhood. I like my neighborhood, but I have one complaint: There are prostitutes in my neighborhood, and, as far as I can tell, they work only one day a week. I see them every Sunday morning when I go to church, and I am amazed to see the police drive by them without saying a word. If these people do not faze the police, who can I call to make a complaint? It is not a proper sight in a residential neighborhood. -- Sight for Sore Eyes, West Orange, New Jersey
DEAR SIGHT FOR SORE EYES: Start by asking some of your neighbors who have lived there for a longer period of time about the history of the area. Find out their thoughts about the prostitutes. Express your concern, and ask questions of them about how others view their presence. Suggest that the neighbors team up to approach the police about getting prostitutes out of your neighborhood.
It is possible for you to take this on by yourself, but it is far more likely for you to meet with success if you have a collection of residents who are committed to cleaning up the streets. Together, you can write to your local precinct to ask for action. You can reach out to your local politicians and to your member of Congress for support.