Human Trafficking Units in California

• In Event: Gender, Victimization and Public Policy

Abstract

Human trafficking has become a serious problem in the United States and across the world. It is estimated that human traffickers have victimized 20.9 million victims worldwide (National Human Trafficking Resource Center, 2016). Despite growing awareness about this crime, it remains unclear how law enforcement agencies deal with this form of modern-day slavery. This study will survey a sample of law enforcement agencies in California to identify the extent and nature of the use of human trafficking units. It will also assess the impact of these units in the fight against human trafficking.

Authors

• Sonia A. Heredia I, Sonoma State University

• Michelle A. Grgurich, Sonoma State University