Massage Parlor Inspections

Massage Parlor Inspections
Det.Sgt. James Celentano, Wayne Police Department
Aimee Puluso, R.E.H.S., Wayne Health Department
Massage Parlors – The Basics
Over 500 massage facilities in NJ
Pose as legitimate businesses amongst
homes, schools, and shopping areas
Majority are a front for prostitution
Common perception is that massage
parlors are “not as bad” as street
prostitution – the only difference is location
Secondary crimes: drugs, violence,
organized crime
Case Study – PD Investigation
Complaint
Case Study – PD Investigation
Intel Memo
Case Study – PD Investigation
Investigation
Case Study – PD Investigation
Arrests
Confiscations
Case Study – PD Investigation
Net Result
– Months of time, effort on each investigation
– Minimal fines for those arrested (less than 1k)
– Manager/owner disavows all knowledge of
any illicit activities and blames employees
– Manager/owner replaces arrested employee
within hours
– Business as usual
Human Trafficking
Health Risks
MRSA
– Tables, linens, hot stones
STD’s
– Women are perceived as being cleaner and safer
than street prostitutes
– Condom use reportedly slim to none
– Condoms do not prevent all STD’s
Injuries
– Abrasions, torn tendons and muscles, broken bones,
embolism, stroke, paralysis
PD / HD Pilot Program
Draft local ordinance to:
– deter prostitution at massage parlors
– reduce risk of disease transmission / injury
Significant violations result in closure until
all violations are abated
3 closures, license is revoked
PD / HD Pilot Program
Local Ordinance
– Requires license from Township Clerk
– $500 annual license fee
– Application review, plan review (Clerk, HD,
FD, Building)
– Pre-operational inspections
– All therapists must have current and valid
license issued by the NJ Board of Massage
and Bodywork (500 hours of class study or
exam)
PD / HD Pilot Program
Local Ordinance
– Licenses posted (facility and therapists)
– Sinks in each treatment room
– Shower
– Written disinfection / sterilization plan for all
surfaces including equipment, instruments
and linens
– Treatments and price rates posted
PD / HD Pilot Program
Local Ordinance
– Employees required to wear “outer garments”
– Facilities sanitary and in good repair
– Therapists must wash hands to elbows prior
to each session
– Signage “Client Records Required”
– Signage “Under 18 prohibited”
PD / HD Pilot Program
Local Ordinance
– Prohibited:
Prostitution
Alcohol
Sleeping quarters
Excessive personal items and/or clothing
Bulk food storage
Laundering personal items
Table showers
Cupping, ear candling, ear scoops, colon cleansing
Pest control without NJDEP license
PD / HD Pilot Program
First round of inspections of licensed
facilities resulted in 10 initial closures
Number of licenses reduced from 21 to 15
Inspections to be conducted minimum of
twice a year
NJ Board of Massage and
Bodywork Therapy
www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/mbt/
Conducting The Inspection