ABC15 News reported on a Project Rose protest of the "round up" at Bethany Home Church to be held at 4pm Oct 17, 2013  ABC15 said. "ABC15 crews will cover the protest at 4 p.m. outside the Bethany Bible Church, the site of Project ROSE." However,  it was not reported on the 10PM news.  It seems to be organized by a small group of ASU students and obviously I am totally supportive.

Reports are a Project Rose Roundup is "suspected"  to occur Oct 17-18th. These about every six month round ups from ads and web pages of consenting independent companions. It is well funded by grants as well as the millions raised for the "rescue" industry.  Prior roundups have been 2-3 days, usually including a weekend.  

As of 9PM October 17th.  I drove by Bethany Home Church and no activity.  Last time (May 2013) all the gates were closed and only police cars let in as they rounded up all the companions they could find.   Some of the many suspicious calls reported by companions lately may be in anticipation of the next round up.  

In the May 2013 roundup, local media reported it ahead of time but I heard no reports afterwards bragging about numbers "saved" like in the past. It appears the suspected October 2013 roundup is being kept more secret by Phoenix PD.  I do not know where the Oct 17-18th dates came from other than an ASU group.

Last time (May 2013) one of the protesters was arrested for "manifestation" under Phoenix code vs the usual State prostitution charges. It also carries the mandatory 15 days in jail on the 1st conviction.  Others are apprehended for escorting without a license.

In Phoenix it is Project ROSE (they give you a pink purse when enter church)  and in Tucson it is called Project RAISE.

In Phoenix it is spearheaded by ASU's School of Social Work, and driven by the Phoenix Police Department.

Usually no appointment with LE is required, just ads they trace to an address so they can arrest you for solicitation if have GFE or other abbreviations that are known sex acts on ads.  Project Rose is more a "round up" operation vs other types of "stings".

To qualify for "indoctrination" (diversion) six month program, the worker must have no outstanding warrants, no previous arrests for sex work and can't be found in possession of any drugs at the time of arrest.  

The arrest remains part of the sex worker's permanent record regardless of whether or not the diversion program is successfully completed.  

Proponents of these diversion programs raise funds and promote them as helping those who are trafficked or coerced into prostitution. However nearly all people arrested for prostitution charges are classified as victims of trafficking, regardless of their situation and consent. This creates the illusion that diversion programs are saving victims rather than arresting consenting sex workers and requiring them to identify as victims in order to avoid incarceration and receive services. If it their first arrest they can choose between jail, or a six-month indoctrination program of the evils if sexwork.  The city funds Catholic Charities who runs the indoctrination.   Further, many groups raise $millions of funds to supplement this "rescue" industry.  

Many folks are arrested for prostitution-related offenses and brought into the criminal justice system, This means increased costs for states and localities, as well as for those apprehended and their families.  Most can not afford private attorneys so use public defenders of various kinds in Phoenix.  Almost all plead guilty to avoid publicity etc.
 
These programs only serve to continue to criminalize people just trying to earning a living. People with a history of arrest, homelessness, or addiction usually do not qualify for diversion programs.

THE MAJORITY OF POLICE STING OPERATIONS TARGET CONSENTING SEX WORKERS -  Diversion programs are used as an impetus and rationale for increased police raids.  

Project Rose is separate from the FBI joint operations.  It is my understanding local police are assigned with FBI designation to bring Federal trafficking charges if not just an individual independent companion.  Under Federal "Trafficking" no coercion is needed.  If forced than its "severe trafficking" vs just regular consenting adult trafficking.

As a sex work support group  commenting on Project ROSE says, "Imagine being pulled out of your workplace and told to either undergo arrest, or quit your job and take time out of your life in order to complete a program that may take up to six months. How would you pay your bills? How would you take care of your children or other family members? Many people are unable to complete diversion programs because they still need to work. If they do not succeed in completing the program, they face their original charges, often with increased likelihood of incarceration."