Contra Costa County Grand Jury • 2015-2016 • Agency Response

Human Trafficking*

Published: September 13, 2016 4 pages
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Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F13

Findings and Recommendations 13 findings

F1
trafficking in California, along with Los Angeles and San Diego. Response: Hercules agrees with Finding #1.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
City law enforcement agencies and the Sheriff's Department should consider incorporating expanded training for officers assigned to trafficking- related duties. This recommendation has been implemented. The Hercules Police Response: Department has expanded training for human trafficking. Detectives assigned to investigate human trafficking have received training and will continue to be trained as opportunities become available.
F2
The emphasis in human trafficking cases has shifted from solely prosecution to a "victim-centered" approach in which the needs of persons who have been trafficked receive equal consideration. Hercules agrees with Finding #2. Response: Effectively identifying and apprehending traffickers requires knowledge
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
City Law enforcement agencies and the Sheriff's Department should consider increasing collaboration with State and federal law enforcement to expand "sweeps" and "stings" in high crime areas. Hercules partially disagrees with Recommendation #2. The City cannot Response: address the practices of other entities. The Hercules Police Department has and will continue to increase collaboration with the FBI and state law enforcement to expand "sweeps" and "stings" in high crime areas.
F3
of the local environment and criminal activities acquired through years of experience Response: Hercules agrees with Finding #3.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
City Law enforcement agencies and the Sheriff's Department should consider the benefits of assigning multidisciplinary teams in areas with significant drug, gang and/or prostitution activity to assist in identifying trafficking activities. This recommendation has been implemented. The Hercules Police Response: Department will investigate cases in the City of Hercules. Though not part of the of the Contra Costa County SAFE Streets Task Force and the Contra Costa County Anti- Violence Support Effort, the Hercules Police Department can ask for assistance for these type of investigations. These multidisciplinary teams are focused on drug, gang and prostitution activity to assist in identifying trafficking activities. The City of Hercules can also request assistance from the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office Vice Unit and a Special Victims Unit. 114 - 12 ٠. The City appreciates the time and effort spent by His Honor and the Grand Jury in consideration of these matters. Sincerely, CITY OF HERCULES Ju Rower Dan Romero Mayor
F4
Most police officer training related to human trafficking is acquired through working with more experienced officers and victim advocates. . . Hercules agrees with Finding #4. Response:
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The required two-hour POST Training Video in dealing with human trafficking complaints provides a general basis, but more intensive training found in the POST 2014 training manual contains in-depth coverage of the issues important to officers assigned to trafficking cases. Hercules agrees with Finding #5. Response:
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Successful apprehension and prosecution of traffickers often involves coordination and cooperation among local, State and federal agencies. Hercules agrees with Finding #6. Response: City law enforcement and Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department have
No recommendations for this finding
F7
no comprehensive or consistent method for analyzing data about the number and type of adult trafficking victims. More data that is complete is needed to define the magnitude of the problem and to support decisions about victim services and resource allocation. Hercules agrees with Finding #7. Response:
No recommendations for this finding
F8
City law enforcement and Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department does not always use resources offered by State and federal for joint "sting" and "sweep" operations. Hercules partially disagrees with Finding #8. The City cannot address the Response: practices of other entities. The Hercules Police Department will utilize resources offered by state and federal agencies when conducting "sting" and "sweep" operations. Trafficking frequently occurs in combination with other violent crimes
No recommendations for this finding
F9
and its victims often have a history of abuse and trauma. Response: Hercules agrees with Finding #9.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
The use of specialist multidisciplinary teams in high crime areas can increase the likelihood that trafficking will be recognized as a component of other crimes. Hercules agrees with Finding #10. Response:
No recommendations for this finding
F11
Public awareness is a critical factor in identifying potential human trafficking activity. Hercules agrees with Finding #11. Response:
No recommendations for this finding
F12
A comprehensive approach to dealing with human trafficking includes robust community engagement; training law enforcement in responding to human . . trafficking incidents; vigorous prosecution of perpetrators; education of and advocacy to policy makers; and wrap-around services for victims/survivors. Hercules agrees with Finding #12. Response:
No recommendations for this finding
F14
A comprehensive approach to dealing with human trafficking includes robust community engagement; training law enforcement in responding to human trafficking incidents; vigorous prosecution of perpetrators; education of and advocacy to policy makers; and wrap-around services for victims/survivors. Hercules agrees with Finding #14. Response: Grand Jury Recommendations
No recommendations for this finding

* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.