Undercover Cops Get Nude Massage: Ethics Questioned

Two undercover officers received nude massages as part of a sting operation. The Hallandale Beach police department arrested three women suspected of prostitution, but a question of ethics has been raised by defense attorneys.

The undercover operation and arrest of three women were reportedly part of an ongoing investigation into human trafficking. The Hallandale Beach Police Chief Dwayne Flornoy has stated that he and his officers are working together as part of a federal investigation.

As reported by the SunSentinel, Ying “LuLu” Zhao, Shu Yuan “Nikki” Sun, and Yan Wang were all arrested on suspicion of prostitution. Zhao and Yuan both performed massages on undercover officers, who were nude. The two women are accused of offering sexual services to the undercover officers halfway into their massage.

Defense attorneys have stated that on-duty officers should not be getting a nude massage, under any circumstances. As reported by UPI, Broward County chief public defender, Howard Finkelstein, has stated that the practice is not “worth it or appropriate.”

Defense attorney Eric Schwartzreich argues that by taking their clothes off and receiving a massage, it could be argued that the women’s behavior was consensual. Furthermore, Schwartzreich argues that the undercover operation is not an effective form of crime control.

Police Chief Flournoy disagrees, contending that the undercover operations have impacted questionable massage parlor business. He considers the practice to be successful in fighting prostitution crime.

Charlie Fuller of the International Association of Undercover Officers explains the controversial methods, stating that unconventional methods are necessary to catch prostitutes in the act.

The Broward County State Attorney has not issued any guidelines or rules that would prevent undercover officers from getting nude massages. However, Spokesman Ron Ishoy cautions that “how the stings were conducted and how the arrests were made … become a factor at trial.”

Police Chief Flournoy points out that the undercover operation is not simply about prostitution. Human trafficking is considered ad organized crime and is taken very seriously by law enforcement officials.

He defends his decision to let his officers get nude massages as part of the investigation, despite the ethical concerns.