Hanford ordinance would require permits for massage parlors - Hanford Sentinel

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HANFORD — The Hanford Police Department is working to make sure local massage parlors are being run in a professional and legal manner.
While a massage can do wonders to relieve tension and stress, some massage parlors have a reputation for being a front for prostitution.
Earlier this month, the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would require massage establishments and therapists to obtain permits through the police department to legally operate in the city.
If the council approves the second reading next week, the ordinance would go into effect in 30 days.
Hanford police Capt. Darrell Smith said the ordinance is based on policies already in place in Clovis and Lemoore.
“It’s going to ensure that citizens are going to a qualified, trained massage therapist who conducts their business in a professional and legal manner,†Smith said.
Therapist permits would require applicants to present a diploma or certificate from a recognized institution and pass a written exam demonstrating basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, hygiene and massage practices.
The ordinance may create some extra hurdles for legitimate massage therapists, while making it more difficult to use these establishments as cover for illegal activities.
While there are a number of red flags that help police identify shady massage parlors, Smith said police mostly have to rely on complaints and word of mouth to shut them down.
Police conducted sting operations at two local massage parlors about eight months ago, Smith said. Both operations resulted in the arrests of massage therapists who offered sex acts to an undercover officer.
“In both operations it actually led to the arrest of the person involved and the owner of the establishment,†Smith said.
The new ordinance would also prohibit massage therapists from intentionally exposing or touching specific body parts, including genitals.
Other provisions of the ordinance give the police chief the authority to immediately suspend permits from businesses that pose a health or safety danger or from permit holders who are convicted of sex crimes.
Smith said any violations of the ordinance would be considered a public nuisance and charged as a misdemeanor.
“We want to make sure people who want to run a legitimate business aren’t being penalized for those who don’t,†Smith said.
Tiffany Johnson, who co-owns Divine Hands Massage Therapy, said she supports the ordinance. She is a graduate of the Milan Institute in Visalia and previously worked in Lemoore where a similar policy is in place.
“I like that the police are putting their foot down,†Johnson said.
She said customers have asked her for “extra services†in the past. She said she finds it offensive that anyone would think her place of business is an appropriate place for such requests.
“I feel like I can’t even sit through a comedy movie anymore without references to extra services,†Johnson said. “Professionally, I find it upsetting.â€
Kirsten Roush, the co-owner of Divine Hands Massage Therapy who has been practicing as a massage therapist since graduating from the Milan Institute in Clovis in 2010, said she also supports the permits.
“I think it’s a really good idea and it would give us a little bit better reputation,†she said.
Roush said she hasn’t had to deal with any inappropriate requests since she began working at the north Hanford spa. Part of her training included how to deal with clients who are there for the wrong reasons.
“They teach you how to handle it,†Roush said. “You keep your cool and let them know this session is terminated.â€
The reporter can be reached at 583-2458 or by email at [email protected].