NYPD officers were advised on Wednesday that they can no longer arrest people who appear to be loitering for the purpose of prostitution, according to an internal memo obtained by The Post.
The directive is in response to Tuesday’s repeal of the state’s so-called “Walking While Trans” law.
The law formerly allowed police to arrest individuals found beckoning to or attempting to stop passersby either on foot or in a vehicle while in a public place for the purpose of prostitution.
“Effective immediately, officers may not arrest an individual for this charge. All other crimes related to prostitution under Article 230 in the New York Penal Law remain in effect,” the memo read.
“Commanding officers will ensure that members of their command are apprised of the contents of this message,” it continued.
The repeal removed a section of the state’s penal code that has been on the books since 1976, that advocates argue has unfairly targeted women, minorities and transgender people for decades.
