The Experiences of a Group of Agents that Intervene with Crimes of Commercial Exploitation of Minors

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

This research gather information through the experiences of a group of agent’s that intervene with crimes of commercial exploitation of children. Also, evaluate the local and international public policies, the experiences of the agents dealing with this felony and the composition of the market for commercial exploitation of children. This study followed a qualitative research design, using a semi-structured interview for gathering information. Participants were five special agents of ICE-HSI belonging to the group of criminal investigations of child exploitation. The participants must be special agent who investigate child exploitation crime. The theoretical framework was the Ecological Theory of Urie Bronfenbrenner (1976). The information gathered establish the "bullying" and the use of minors for illegal activities as a type commercial exploitation of children. We identify risk elements in victims of commercial exploitation of children in Puerto Rico. These elements relate to the lack of supervision by parents or legal tutors of these children. The lack of knowledge about the issue of exploitation significantly influences the development of this crime. Is not found that Puerto Rico a criminal organization dedicated to the commercial exploitation of children, but exists a market development for this type of criminal activity.

Authors

• Manuel F. Melendez-Vazquez, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus

• Edgar Colón-Santos, PUCPR-Ponce

• Dra. Ana Plaza-Montero, PUCPR-PONCE