New Castle is a city of about 5,000 residents, located just south of Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware. Despite its small size, the community has reported problems with prostitution along major thoroughfares– particularly U.S. Route 9 and Route 13 — for several years.

Among their efforts to address these issues, the New Castle County Police Department has conducted at least two reverse stings in the city since 2002. In May 2013, NCCPD officers, with the support of the Wilmington Police Department and Delaware State Police, conducted “dual” stings targeting both sex buyers and prostituted women. Media outlets reported that teams of officers were stationed along major roadways in New Castle, Wilmington, and Wilmington Manor, where they targeted sex buyers “who solicited undercover female officers for sex and drugs.” Thirteen sex buyers (and 10 women offering prostitution) were arrested as a result; all of their identities were disclosed to the public.

A second “dual” operation was conducted in June 2015 along Route 9 and Route 13 in New Castle. The NCCPD/Delaware State Police joint investigation was launched in response to complaints from area residents and business owners. Thirteen sex buyers were arrested as a result, as were 10 prostituted persons. All of the offenders’ names, arrest photos, and other identifying information was publicized in press.

As of 2008, all individuals arrested and charged with prostitution-related offenses in New Castle County could also have their names and arrest photos posted to the NCCPD website.