Resources: 5.2 Taking a Proactive Approach

Law Enforcement Specific Tools

  • National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (whitehouse.gov) [PDF 793KB] PILLAR 4: CROSSCUTTING APPROACHES AND INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, Enable Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution through Collaboration. Effectively combating human trafficking requires lines of effort that complement and support achievement of the other three aims of prevention, protection, and prosecution, in addition to enhancing collaboration. Aiming to improve the United States Government's institutional capacity to combat this crime will lead to improved outcomes across multiple goals. In the 20 years since human trafficking became a federal crime, the United States Government has made significant progress in adapting its institutions to combat this threat effectively. This whole-of government approach will enhance opportunities to better partner together in this effort. In particular, information gaps persist that hinder progress toward human trafficking prevention, survivor protection, and enhanced prosecution. As a result, government agencies are seeking to strengthen research, data collection, and integration. In order to enhance human trafficking enforcement efforts, government agencies are also seeking ways to deliver strategic analysis, generate actionable leads, and uncover evolving human trafficking trends. This goal presents 19 priority actions organized under five principles related to strengthening understanding of human trafficking; enhancing information sharing; incorporating survivor input; conducting outreach to external partners; and evaluating authorities and resources to combat human trafficking.
  • The Importance of Trauma-Informed Lawyering - Human Trafficking Institute
  • Trauma-Informed Lawyering Resources - CAST Training and Technical Assistance
  • Law Enforcement's Role in Supporting Victims' Needs Through Pretrial Justice Reform (2015) [PDF 524KB] This paper, from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, highlights the detention of a defendant during an investigation as a promising practice to ensure victim safety and a stronger case.
  • The Civil Rights Unit & Office for Victim Assistance developed a unique protocol for agents working with victim specialists during trafficking investigations. The protocol is not for the public, and cannot be provided to anyone other than law enforcement. Please contact the Civil Rights Unit & Office for Victim Assistance for additional information.
  • Youth Victims of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking in Clark County Juvenile Court: Implementing an Identification and Diversion Process (2011) [PDF 366KB] This resource was published by the Division of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Portland State University. It summarizes an intervention by the Clark County Juvenile Court in Vancouver, Washington, to identify and divert youth victims of DMST from juvenile detention to advocacy and appropriate community resources.
  • HHS Toolkits for Law Enforcement Published by the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children & Families, these toolkits provide background information and guidance for law enforcement officers to identify and communicate with victims of human trafficking.

Reports & Studies

Training