Davenport is a town of approximately 11,000 residents located in Polk County, in central Florida. It is part of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area. Prostitution activity has been well-documented in the city and surrounding communities, and in unincorporated areas of the county. This activity and the problems and ancillary crimes it generates results in complaints to law enforcement agencies from residents and businesses. Among the more serious crimes associated with the local commercial sex market is sex trafficking. Consumer level demand provides the revenue stream for all prostitution and sex trafficking, and has therefore been targeted by local law enforcement agencies as a strategy for prevention and response. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, with partners in nearby communities (e.g., Inwood), has conducted many prostitution stings in response to complaints from residents. Stings may involve undercover female officers, setting up an undercover house, posting online ads, or taking down businesses providing a front for prostitution. The names and other descriptors about the arrested are often released to the media.

In February, 2023, it was announced that the Davenport Police Department participated in a large scale sex trafficking operation led by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office that resulted in 213 arrests. During “Operation Traffic Stop,” 24 potential human trafficking victims were identified, and 89 suspects were arrested for “soliciting a prostitute,” traveling to the undercover location to negotiate having sex in exchange for money.