Prostitution per se is not a crime in Canada; however, it is difficult to engage in prostitution without committing an offense, since conversing with another person to solicit a sex act for pay is illegal. This law applies to both prostitutes and those who seek their services. This law reflects community concerns about overt public displays of prostitutes and their solicitations. Prostitution Offender Programs (POPs) are a relatively new and innovative means of dealing with community concerns about prostitution. Edmonton's POP was started in May 1996 through the combined efforts of the Edmonton Police Service and the Safer Cities Advisory Committee of the Edmonton City Council. The Edmonton POP operates as a nonprofit, court-approved educational alternative to the criminal charge of "communication for the purposes of prostitution." Candidates for these programs are referred from police operations that target individuals who attempt to obtain the services of prostitutes. "Johns" with prior criminal charges for prostitution and/or major offenses typically are not eligible to participate in POPs. Suitable candidates are given POP information packages at the time of arrest. If an offender opts out of registration in a POP, or fails to attend the program, a court appearance notice is processed and the case proceeds to court under the charge of communication for the purposes of prostitution. Edmonton's POP is a voluntary, discussion-based seminar program designed to increase offenders' awareness of the risks and realities of street prostitution. In addition, POPs encourage offenders to be aware of health risks, to make healthier choices, and to change behaviors that have a negative impact on others. The program consists of a full day of educational sessions on a variety of topics, including vice laws and street facts; health risks; survivors' views on prostitution; sexual addictions and behavior; community and merchant concerns; information about pimps; and resources for dealing with sexual addictions. Evaluations by participants suggest that the information provided by the seminars has deterred them from seeking the services of prostitutes. 1 references