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Memo to Law Enforcement (11/1/2007)
Human trafficking is a worldwide phenomenon fueled by global conditions of extreme poverty, political turmoil and increased worldwide mobility, leaving many people vulnerable to exploitation. As the market for and trade of human beings has grown, so has the need to identify, investigate and prosecute those responsible for committing this crime. Since 2000, the United States government has implemented the Trafficking Victims’ Protection Act (TVPA), taking aggressive action to address the crime of human trafficking. In addition, several states have adopted laws making human trafficking a crime.
Local law enforcement plays a critical role in uncovering trafficking in communities throughout the United States. It is important to note that trafficking networks are not limited to urban areas, as traffickers seek the seclusion of rural and remote areas to operate undetected. Successful law enforcement response necessitates advance collaboration and preparation with federal partners, social service providers, medical and mental health providers, legal assistance programs and cultural organizations.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police, with funding from the DOJ Office on Violence Against Women, is working to educate local law enforcement officers through the creation of a guidebook titled The Crime of Human Trafficking: A Law Enforcement Guide to Identification and Investigation, and the production of an accompanying roll call training video. These tools inform officers how to identify, respond to and properly investigate cases of human trafficking.
This training package will include information on:
The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services also has copies of the video available for lending through the Media Resource Library. To borrow a copy please contact us, or you may view the video on your local computer by clicking the links below. * Note these links will open a new browser window for viewing videos. You may close that window to return here when you are through viewing.
The Crime of Human Trafficking:
Chapter 1 - Defining the Crime
Chapter 2 - Identifying and Responding
Chapter 3 - Investigating and Interviewing
Chapter 4 - Credits