How to identify a pimp

- While pimps can be either male or female, the majority are male.

- May be any age... although most are between the ages of 16 and 45.

- Usually target females. They know what to look for, and can find a child or youth's weaknesses.

- Usually very manipulative i.e., they are "'smooth talkers."

- May initially pose as a boyfriend or friend who is nice to family.

- Fill a need: make girls feel good, and/or feel like an adult.

- May appear to have material success beyond their age group, but are usually unemployed, have limited education and are in a poor economic situation. They usually have few material possessions. At the same time, however, pimps often strongly desire wealth, power and status among, their peer group.

- Often self-centered and narcissistic, viewing themselves as special and different.

- May display lots of bravado, flash, glitter and attitude.

- May claim to be in the "'entertainment industry."

- Carry cell phones or pagers.

- Often associated with other criminal activities besides sexual exploitation.

- May carry weapons and have violent backgrounds.

- May be involved with drugs.

- May have one or more "girlfriends" whom they exploit in the sex trade.

- May exert total control and/or exhibit possessive behaviour, excluding all other friends.