Area police agencies played a role in an international operation helping sex trade workers exit the industry.
Police in Windsor, LaSalle and Amherstburg spoke with 18 prostitutes ages 17-39 and gave them a plan to start over.
Investigators also looked into the possibility of sex trade workers being exploited earlier this month. In the end police across Canada rescued 20 people suspected of being a minor in the sex trade or working against their will.
Police say reaching out to sex trade workers is the first step in gaining their trust, which may lead to the "rescue" of these women. Legal Assistance of Windsor is also involved in assisting with creating a plan.
Operation Northern Spotlight is an FBI initiative that's spread across the U.S. and Canada.
Listen to a BlackburnNews.com audio feature showing how the sex trade industry is changing.
