Human trafficking is compelled labor that affects all communities, countries, and demographics. Through efforts based on the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) that initially passed in 2000, along with awareness campaigns, case studies, and real-life stories from survivors, communities, law enforcement, and victim service providers, the general public is aware that human trafficking exists. There has been an evolution in the response including a more victim-centered, trauma-informed approach. We are seeing more of an understanding of trafficking, research into its impact, and the development of resources and tools to address these crimes. However, the forward progress can only continue with further work, creative solutions, and collaboration amongst stakeholders and survivors.

Although community policing is not a new philosophy as a whole, it is an emerging shift from the typical prevention and response to human trafficking. In particular, focusing on problem solving, partnerships, and organizational change can offer a promising roadmap to tackle these crimes. Using these principles, the COPS Office and the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR) worked with a highly experienced, multidisciplinary team to develop the Partnerships to Address Labor Trafficking Toolkit.

This toolkit is designed to improve the awareness, responsiveness, and accountability among law enforcement, businesses, communities, and other stakeholders on labor trafficking. The toolkit resources have been designed to provide quick references to various aspects of labor trafficking response, investigation, and victim services, all while keeping the specific audience in mind. To further highlight promising community policing practices, the COPS Office also created a general human trafficking web page that highlights relevant COPS Office and other federal resources.

After reviewing these resources, if you are interested in receiving customized training and technical assistance, the COPS Office Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) is here to help. CRI-TAC provides critical and tailored technical assistance resources to state, local, territorial, campus, and tribal law enforcement agencies on a wide variety of topics, including human trafficking. By the field, for the field – per your agency’s request, CRI-TAC is able to deliver personalized technical assistance by leading subject matter experts. Learn more about at the CRI-TAC website.

Nazmia E.A Comrie
Senior Program Specialist

The COPS Office

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