2012 Trafficking In Persons Final Report.pdf - NCJTC Home

Trafficking in Persons symposium
clude truancy, low self-esteem, prior abuse (physical, sexual, and/or emotional), chronic runaway (not just
from family home), criminal history, and traumatic events in their past. Traffickers also prey on everyday
vulnerabilities that all children possess. It was therefore suggested that the “unique” characteristic might
be that there are no unique characteristics.
Objective 7: Discuss supply and demand aspects of trafficking
Findings: Traffickers view their victims as a commodity, something that can be easily replaced. Children
are viewed as easy targets because traffickers can control and manipulate them. “Johns” are driven by their
desire for power/control and sexual desires. Their specific desires, whether it be adult or juvenile females,
drives demand for victims. Some jurisdictions have also seen an increase in demand due to the overt sexualization
of the American culture.
Objective 8: Evaluate jurisdiction & legal issues
Findings: When task forces are deployed that involve local/state and federal partners there is a great deal
of confusion regarding whether the case will be prosecuted in a federal or state court. Conflicts also arise
due to the shorter timeframe state/local officials have for filing charges. Federal prosecutors are not bound
by the same timelines and local/state/tribal charges can be lost if the case is delayed too long. In Mexico,
a general trafficking law is currently being developed which will make the elements of the crime much
more difficult to prove. Since it is a universal law, if passed it will override all laws at the local/state level.
Objective 9: Explore labor trafficking investigations
Findings: Labor trafficking can be found in many occupations/businesses including migrant farm workers,
domestic servants, landscapers, construction, massage parlors, nail salons, restaurants, factories, exotic
dancing, panhandling, nannies, mail order crews, and hotels. Officials may receive a tip/lead/report possibly
from someone involved in the trafficking or a raid may be carried out for some other purpose. General
observation will also identify possible incidents of labor trafficking. Being aware of what occurs in
one’s community is extremely important. When an indicator is observed, such as gangs in a rural area or
extremely poor living conditions, officials must dig deeper to see if something illegal is occurring. Several
challenges with conducting a labor trafficking investigations were also identified. It is often difficult for
investigators to make contacts with victims since they rarely stay in the same area for long periods of time.
In addition, many victims come from other countries, which can result in language barriers. Unlike sex
trafficking, these investigations must be primarily interview centric due to the lack of physical evidence.
They are also extremely complicated and resource intensive.
Objective 10: Assess trafficking prosecution at the federal and state level
Findings: According to participants, most state level prosecution is right on target. Federal prosecution,
on the other hand, varies from state to state. The experiences of the U.S. Attorneys and Attorney General
as well as their level of interest in the topic and/or case ultimately determine prosecution of trafficking
22