SWOP Behind Bars stories

What The F%&$ Do We Do Now?

As the dust settles on yet another intense election season, we’re left with the burning question: What the f&$ do we do now?* Whether you’re reeling from a tough outcome or cautiously optimistic, the road ahead can feel both daunting and uncertain. At SWOP Behind Bars, we want to channel this energy into real, tangible action that aligns with our core mission: supporting sex workers and those impacted by the criminal justice system.

The Future of End Demand Initiatives

We already know End Demand Tactics don't work but the long term implications on individuals and families is devastating to communities. 
If we truly desire to move forward, it’s crucial to reevaluate the effectiveness and humanity of end-demand initiatives. Policies meant to reduce harm should not create new cycles of poverty, trauma, and family destruction. Instead, we must prioritize interventions that address the root causes of systemic inequality and exploitation, offering real support to those impacted.

What’s up with Grady Judd?

For over a decade, Sheriff Grady Judd has been "fighting sex trafficking" in Polk County—Florida's fourth largest county by area and eighth largest by population—through high-profile human trafficking stings and dramatic YouTube videos. Judd even maintains his own YouTube channel, where he recounts recent arrests with flair, displaying mugshots on large placards and issuing widely distributed press releases. His most recent sting targeted Asian massage parlors, sparking significant controversy within advocacy spaces. Referred to as “The Joe Arpaio of Florida,” Judd has both staunch supporters and vocal critics.