Sex Worker Search

Jo Skarbek from Precautionary Investigations Client Screening Service kindly agreed to this interview.

Precautionary Investigations is an in depth client screening service with prices ranging from $50 USD for a background check on one client, to $500 USD for a package deal of 20 background checks.

1. I’m based in UK but my understanding is that in the United States, clients expect to be asked to provide real-world information (RWI) for screening and are generally willing to do so. As far as I know, clients outside of USA would be much more resistant to providing RWI. Why do you think this difference exists, and would wider adoption of RWI screening internationally be desirable?

I believe that sex work is overall much more criminally risky in the US and because of the difference in laws and accessibility of pubic information online, US providers expect much more disclosure of RWI. I was a provider in Canada and many clients refused to give personal info and this could be because we follow the Nordic model where Sex work is illegal for the client not the worker. There are also much more strict privacy laws in Canada (and other countries) as well so being able to fully conduct a full background check is not really possible. US providers are much more thorough in their screening processes to protect themselves from not just dangerous clients but law enforcement as well. I believe it would be better for international providers to require RWI and ensure that they are utilizing the right data bases to report dangerous clients.

To what extent is the US approach shaped by criminalisation, particularly the concern that offenders may target sex workers because they expect them to avoid law enforcement? Do you consider full decriminalisation the most appropriate legal model, and if sex work were decriminalised in the US, would RWI screening remain as necessary or would screening change substantially?

RWI screening probably wouldn’t be as necessary if sex work were decriminalized, but I think it is still important to do proper screening regardless of the laws around Sex Work. I look into all kinds of facts about an individual that could determine whether they are safe or not. For example whether they are licensed to carry weapons or have any criminal records related to domestic violence, etc.

2. Without revealing too much, what categories of records and databases do your investigations cover? Are they all publicly accessible, or do you also use professional, subscription-only, licensed, or otherwise non-public resources that independent providers would not have access to?

I utilize a few public information platforms which I have subscriptions for as well as more provider centric data bases as well. I also do my own google searches as well. I look into their professional background, financial assets, criminal records, social media, etc. I spend a significant amount every month to maintain my access to these data bases.

3. What do you think the ideal blacklist ecosystem would look like for sex workers? eg a small number of large databases with broad coverage? Or more specialised ones focused on specific geographic locations and/or types of sex work? What do you see as the safety benefits and weaknesses of each model?

I think it would be useful to have a blacklist data base that links to different geographical regions. At the moment I am covering north America, with mostly only American clients, but I occasionally get European requests. The business varies from region to region so it would be good to have a centralized data base where you are able to access more international blacklists. Speaking from a Canadian market experience, I strongly encourage providers to report, but because they often don’t or are unaware of the blacklist options.

4. Do you think blacklist apps (as opposed to websites) are ultimately beneficial? An app may reach more users, but it can also get banned with no warning or recourse at any moment from Apple or Google’s stores, potentially cutting people off from important safety information. How should a blacklist balance accessibility and convenience against platform dependence, censorship, data preservation, and the need for a reliable fallback?

In am using 1 blacklist app that is a wealth of information. I think providers find it much more convenient to report when it is in an app form.

5. Some blacklists require proof that someone is a sex worker before they can register and gain access. This can help exclude dangerous clients, law enforcement, journalists, spouses, and other unwanted users, but verification may deter legitimate sex workers and reduce the size and usefulness of the database. In your view, should access be restricted to verified sex workers? If so, what would a safe, inclusive, privacy-conscious verification system look like?

I think they absolutely need to be used by verified providers only. I know some clients have figured out where providers are reporting and have written their own reviews. I also have a screening process for providers as well as I want to ensure they are a legitimate provider.