Switzerland. Geneva. Two police officers at night on the streets of the Paquis neighborhood, known for its nightlife and Red-light district. The policeman (R) holds a pepper spray in his hand. Street prostitution. Most of the prostitutes work in the streets. Prostitution is often referred to as "the world's oldest profession". Both policemen are wearing a ballistic vest, bulletproof vest or bullet-resistant vest which is an item of personal armor that helps absorb the impact from knives, firearm-fired projectiles and shrapnel from explosions, and is worn on the torso. Soft vests are made from many layers of woven or laminated fibers and can be capable of protecting the wearer from small-caliber handgun and shotgun projectiles, and small fragments from explosives such as hand grenades. Pepper spray, also known as OC spray (from "Oleoresin Capsicum"), OC gas, and capsicum spray, is a lachrymatory agent (a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness) used in policing. Its inflammatory effects cause the eyes to close, taking away vision. This temporary blindness allows officers to more easily restrain subjects. 17.03.12 © 2012 Didier Ruef