2012 Trafficking In Persons Final Report.pdf - NCJTC Home

FINAL REPORT
Participants recommended using the Internet to deter individuals seeking prostitutes by creating “fake”
ads which link to pages that explain the consequences. Pimping should be categorized as a felony in all
states.
Objective 4: Outline suggestions for addressing jurisdiction issues
Recommendations: Forming multi-agency working groups or task forces would be extremely helpful
in alleviating cooperation issues among jurisdictions. Failures of previous development efforts utilizing
task force approaches should be refined to identify pitfalls, obstacles and challenges. Participants recommended
maintaining a constant flow of communication between agencies to ensure proper understanding
of case status/progress. Officials should take time up front to decide where best to file charges (local/state/
tribal or federal). Developing strong relationships with federal and local/state prosecutors will help in this
regard. Agencies should also be encouraged to take responsibility for a case if any aspect of it occurs in
their jurisdiction.
Objective 5: Develop recommendations for effective labor trafficking investigations
Recommendations: Investigators need to check the employer’s paperwork and licensure to make sure
everything is in order. Schools, nurses and counselors, can be a good source of information for children
of migrant workers. Additional recommendations included asking the Department of Health to monitor
health conditions, developing a specific interview strategy, and sharing information between local/state
and federal agencies (Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Internal Revenue Service, the Department
of Labor, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations). It is also important to maintain a continued
presence so there is awareness that the operation is being watched. When working with the victims an
agreement needs to be reached to allow for additional interviews, especially after they have been placed in
a shelter, and a plan needs to be put in place for providing long-term support and services. Officials should
also develop case studies regarding previous investigations to share with others.
Objective 6: Develop recommendations for increasing trafficking prosecution
Recommendations: Teach prosecutors to look more deeply into a case and find as many laws as possible
for charging the traffickers. Prosecutors should meet with the victim early in the investigation and maintain
the relationship over the entire process including trial. Cross-jurisdictional communication, collaboration,
and training needs to be improved. Prosecutions could also be improved by identifying and taking
advantage of the various tools and resources available such as Innocence Lost, Leo.gov, Runaway Switchboard,
the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Office for Victims of Crime, and local
non-profits. In addition, attendees recommended developing working groups to enhance the understanding
of trafficking issues and educate new members, properly preparing for trial, and having advocates in
the courtroom to reinforce victim support.
Objective 7: Develop recommendations for effective sex trafficking investigations
Recommendations: These investigations should be victim-centered and trafficking organization focused.
29