Sheriff Tony Joins Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in January, National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month—a month set aside to raise awareness about a pervasive crime that often occurs in plain sight within our communities. While many envision victims as children or women sold into slavery or the sex trade, the reality is far more complex. Human trafficking transcends age, gender and race, encompassing both forced labor and sexual exploitation.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Internet Crimes Against Children/Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) is dedicated to identifying instances of human trafficking, rescuing victims and empowering communities to join the fight against this heinous crime. The HTU investigates intricate cases of exploitation, often rooted in emotional and financial manipulation, working relentlessly to bring perpetrators to justice and provide support to those affected.

A notable example of HTU’s work is Operation Suite 16, a two-day anti-trafficking operation in partnership with local and state agencies. During the operation, HTU identified and assisted adult trafficking victims, connecting them to critical resources such as shelter, medical care and counseling to help them rebuild their lives. The operation also led to the arrests of individuals who targeted these vulnerable young women, exploiting their struggles with homelessness and addiction and coercing them into commercial sex acts, drug sales and fraudulent activities. This effort highlights the value of multi-agency operations and the meticulous work required to uncover and dismantle these operations.

Strong community partnerships are also critical to solving human trafficking cases. Through initiatives like the Stop Abuse, Fight Exploitation (S.A.F.E.) Initiative, the HTU collaborates with prosecutors, code enforcement, local governments, regulatory agencies, homeowners and community leaders. Together, they work to identify, investigate and shut down sexually illicit businesses while preventing the recruitment of future victims.

The coordinated efforts of these operations and partnerships underscore the critical importance of interagency collaboration and community education. In addition to enforcement efforts, raising public awareness remains one of the most powerful tools in combating human trafficking. The HTU actively engages with neighborhoods, schools and organizations to educate the public on recognizing the warning signs of human trafficking, including isolation, poor physical health or lack of financial control, and who to call for help.

The BSO HTU remains steadfast in its mission to combat this crime, support survivors and protect the vulnerable. Through enforcement, education and collaboration, we can make a meaningful difference and put an end to human trafficking in our communities. Let us commit to being vigilant, compassionate and proactive in this crucial fight.

 

To learn more about human trafficking and how you can help prevent it, visit www.sheriff.org/humantrafficking.

*If you suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, reach out immediately to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Callers can remain anonymous, and all reports are confidential. In an emergency, call 911.

Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony

Service Equals Reward

Certain Broward cities like Coconut Creek, Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Margate, Miramar, Lauderhill, Lighthouse Point, and Coral Springs maintain their police departments; however, BSO does provide communications and dispatch services to the following cities: Central Broward, Cooper City, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Ft Lauderdale-Hollywood Int’l Airport, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Lauderdale Lakes, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Parkland, West Park, Pompano Beach, Port Everglades, Tamarac, Weston, and unincorporated West Broward.