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

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Apr 3rd, 5:15 PM Apr 3rd, 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.