The Kent County Sheriff's Office Reflects on Two Years of Human Trafficking Task Force
KENT COUNTY, Mich: Over the last several years many non-profit organizations in Kent County developed programs to assist individuals who had been the victims of human trafficking in our community. These non-profit organizations saw a need for advocacy programs designed to support and guide victims of trafficking through their individual journey. This work also led to identifying new ways law enforcement could assist while limiting the additional trauma to the survivors. In 2021, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office chose to adjust its focus on human trafficking and began working hand-in-hand with victim service providers in our community. The formation of this task force was the first of its kind in the area, which allowed victim service providers and law enforcement to work together to provide a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach, giving victims a voice and building trust in the process. In 2023, the task force referred at least 22 documented victims to Sacred Beginnings, Safe Haven, and Crisis Aid International for advocacy, housing assistance, and counseling. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office offered its resources to 7 local law enforcement agencies who had trafficking investigations in their respective jurisdictions.
Due to the complex nature of human trafficking, we have identified that victims may not reach out for help. In an effort to proactively identify victims, the task force implemented a screening process at the Kent County Jail that is designed to identify potential victims within the incarcerated population. Similarly, patrol deputies were trained on the warning signs of human trafficking and can identify potential victims during their daily encounters with the public. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office and our Victim Service Providers are constantly collaborating on ways to expand their outreach to our community.
Since the task force's inception in 2021, the unit has expanded from one Lieutenant by adding one full-time and one part-time detective in 2023. Last year, we investigated 45 cases, resulting in 3 human trafficking arrests, and 10 arrests for other related crimes. We are adding another investigator in 2024. By honoring January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, our task force remains dedicated to identifying additional survivors and holding the exploiters accountable.
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