Understanding Specialized Law Enforcement’s Perspectives on Human Trafficking

• In Event: Relationships in the Context of Sex Work

Abstract

The National Research Council (2013) notes prevention strategies for commercial
sexual exploitation of minors (CSEM) are largely absent and recommends that CSEM
and sex trafficking of children be considered child abuse. This shift to view and
respond to prostituted youth as victims and not criminals represents a paradigm shift
for law enforcement. Research suggests that law enforcement’s ability to identify and
refer sex trafficked youth is shaped by their knowledge and stereotypes about
trafficking. This study presents findings from semi-structured interviews (N = 10) completed with law enforcement officers from the federal (Federal Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking division), state (Georgia Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking division), and Atlanta Police Department (Crimes Against Children Unit) who possess specialized experience in human trafficking and/or responsibility for training officers on human trafficking. Themes discussed include: identification of the key elements present in typical trafficking cases, the issues that complicate officer’s ability to determine if trafficking is present, the types of information an officer should seek to decide the most appropriate response (to arrest or to refer), and recommendations for training and policy on human trafficking.

Author

• Erin Marsh, Georgia State University