Police Responses to Sex Trafficking in Southern California: Factors Leading to the Implementation of Model Strategies
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Keywords
sex trafficking; human trafficking; local police responses; California; San Diego; Los Angeles; Ventura; prostitution; CASEACT; slavery
Department
Political Science
Major
Political Science
Abstract
Since local police officers are more likely to come across victims of sex trafficking than are federal agents, it is important to understand local law enforcement responses. Yet, the extant literature primarily examines the problem from an international of national perspective, with very few studies addressing local enforcement. This study asks: which factors lead to the implementation of model response strategies by local law enforcement agents? Using the comparative method, this study analyzes data from interviews with detectives from three different Southern Californian counties and publicly available data. My findings indicate that resources, collaboration, level of training, and the presence of critical political actors are important factors that increase the likelihood of model strategy implementation. Additionally, this study suggests potential improvements to response strategies and public policy surrounding sex trafficking.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Candice Ortbals-Wiser
Funding Source or Research Program
Political Science Honors Program
Presentation Session
Session A
Location
Plaza Classroom 189
Start Date
3-4-2015 5:15 PM
End Date
3-4-2015 5:30 PM
Police Responses to Sex Trafficking in Southern California: Factors Leading to the Implementation of Model Strategies
Plaza Classroom 189
Since local police officers are more likely to come across victims of sex trafficking than are federal agents, it is important to understand local law enforcement responses. Yet, the extant literature primarily examines the problem from an international of national perspective, with very few studies addressing local enforcement. This study asks: which factors lead to the implementation of model response strategies by local law enforcement agents? Using the comparative method, this study analyzes data from interviews with detectives from three different Southern Californian counties and publicly available data. My findings indicate that resources, collaboration, level of training, and the presence of critical political actors are important factors that increase the likelihood of model strategy implementation. Additionally, this study suggests potential improvements to response strategies and public policy surrounding sex trafficking.