Houston is considered a major hub for all forms of human trafficking. Our Human Trafficking Unit investigators play a critical role in identifying and combating these horrific cases that often victimize our most vulnerable neighbors. The prevalence of human trafficking, which involves exploiting a person for labor, services, or sex, is difficult to gauge due to underreporting and the crime hiding behind businesses.
Our coordinated response against human trafficking includes working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, encouraging residents to report traffickers and potential human trafficking victims, and connecting victims to social service organizations that provide the necessary tools and resources to empower them.
We conduct proactive investigations and participate in multi-partner operations, where we locate victims based on intelligence that we have developed.
The Sheriff’s Office is a proud member of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance, a regional task force aimed at identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking. The task force is made up of local, state, and federal agencies and combines resources to target human traffickers and connect victims of all forms of human trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking, to victims’ services.
During these operations, undercover deputies may pose as those running a prostitution ring or those soliciting sex for money. They will also arrange meetings with people who may be trafficked victims, with the hopes they can lead investigators to the traffickers.
Proactive Investigations
A human trafficking investigator will meet with the victims at an arranged location, such as a hotel, for an initial conversation about their situation. They may also establish a nearby command post with human trafficking investigators, victim advocates, and Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners nurses.
Partners
Victims are able to share their stories in-depth and provide investigators with any relevant information leading up to that moment.
A team of forensic nurses, who have specialized knowledge and skills to care for patients who have experienced sexual assault or human trafficking related injuries, provide on-site medical care and exams. Our victim advocate partners from YMCA International Services connect them to critical services and resources, such as counseling and basic needs support.
Collaboration among law enforcement agencies and the community is key to raising awareness of this issue and disrupting human trafficking activity. If you or someone you know might be a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
We stand together with those who are being trafficked, survivors, and the many advocates in our region whose mission is to end human trafficking for all.
We Mourn the Passing of Deputy Amanda Crowder
Our collective thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and teammates impacted by the untimely loss of a dedicated public servant, Deputy Amanda Crowder.
Deputy Crowder was assigned to Patrol District 2 in northeast Harris County, where she was a proud member of the Aldine Proactive Unit.
She previously served as a detention officer at the Harris County Jail, a deputy investigator with our Special Investigations Division, and as a peace officer with the Metro Police Department. Please keep her family in your prayers.