Washington State Human Trafficking Task ForceFY 10 Continuation Funding

Under this award, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) will further enhance and operate a victim centered human trafficking task force in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Federal law enforcement, and their Office for Victims of Crime Human Trafficking Services provider to identify and rescue victims of human trafficking, proactively investigate human trafficking and prosecute traffickers. The primary goal of this program is to identify and rescue foreign victims of trafficking through a victim centered, proactive investigation strategy. The secondary goal is the interdiction of trafficking and the successful prosecution of traffickers.

The Seattle Police Department will use the 2010 Human Trafficking Task Force Initiative funds to support one full-time investigative detective dedicated to the investigation of foreign victims of trafficking and collaboration with social services providers. SPD, in partnership with the Western District of Washington U.S. Attorney's Office, convened the Washington Advisory Committee on Trafficking (WashACT) to facilitate a multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary response to the interdiction of trafficking, including forced prostitution, indentured servitude, and other forms of forced labor. The project goals are to: increase the identification and rescue of trafficking victims through the operation of a victim-centered, multidisciplinary, and multijurisdictional approach; prosecute human traffickers; coordinate support between task force partners to assist with applications for continued presence in the United States and certifications or eligibility for refugee benefits; collaborate with task force partners to train and educate persons likely to come in contact with victims of trafficking; and, provide accurate and complete statistical information on foreign and domestic investigations, victims, and training activities.

CA/NCF