NCJ Number
218453
Date Published
2007
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This guidebook offers knowledge and tools to enable law enforcement officers to safely and effectively investigate human trafficking.
Abstract
It is estimated that approximately 17,000 persons are trafficked into the United States per year. Human trafficking does not only occur in large metropolitan areas but is known to occur throughout the United States, in rural and suburban areas as well as urban settings. As such, it is important that local law enforcement officers are prepared to effectively investigate human trafficking cases. This guidebook begins by defining human trafficking and other forms of human exploitation and then draws distinctions between human trafficking and smuggling. The 2000 Trafficking Victims Protection Act is discussed, which was passed to address the protection of victims, to encourage the prosecution of offenders, and to put into place international prevention efforts. Specifically, the Act strengthened Federal criminal laws against human trafficking, created immigration relief for victims, and authorized benefits for victims. Myths and misconceptions about human trafficking are addressed before the guide discusses strategies for identifying human trafficking, which include looking for clues within local businesses and within areas where domestic servants are employed. The dynamics of human trafficking are described along with the typical victim’s experience. Effective responses to human trafficking are outlined, including advice for building the case, protocols for conducting successful interviews, and working within task forces. Victim safety issues are reviewed along with the types of assistance that is available to victims of human trafficking, such as social services and continued presence rights. Finally, the guidebook offers a listing of technical assistance resources and resources for further information. Figures, endnotes