Detective Jason Harrington Kennewick Police Department Crimes Against Persons Laurel Whittier Benton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Deputy Prosecuting Attorney JoDee Garretson Support, Advocacy & Resource Center (SARC) Executive Director

Is Human Trafficking a Problem in AMERICA? “U.S. Government sources identify human trafficking as the fastest- growing criminal industry in the world.” ~ Advance Investigative Techniques For Human Trafficking Investigators

“The United States is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children—both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals—subjected to forced labor, debt bondage, involuntary servitude, and sex trafficking. Trafficking can occur in many licit and illicit industries or markets, including in brothels, massage parlors, street prostitution, hotel services, hospitality, agriculture, manufacturing, janitorial services, construction, health and elder care, and domestic service. ” ~ U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report 2013

 Common Types of Human trafficking Sex Trafficking  Boys  Girls  All ages Forced Labor  Boys  Girls  All ages

 Washington State and Human Trafficking State law has been enacted which mirrors Federal law  RCW 9A Trafficking - With enhancements for sexual motivation  RCW 9A Coercion – Use of a threat to induce a person to engage in conduct

 Common Types of Human trafficking Sex Trafficking: A commercial sex act induced by force, fraud or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained the age of 18.

 Common Types of Human trafficking Forced Labor: The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of a person for labor or services occurred through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.

 Of the 2 main types of human trafficking there are four main investigative area’s in the U.S.: 1. Forced prostitution  Foreign-born women and children (boys and girls) 2. Forced Agricultural Labor/Farm Worker 3. Domestic Servitude 4. Domestic Sex Trafficking

What forms of Human Trafficking are we seeing in Tri-Cities Washington? Sex trafficking  Prostitution  Gangs (Street level)  Escort services (Internet)  Exotic dancing

What forms of Human Trafficking are we seeing in Tri-Cities Washington? FBI Human Trafficking Taskforce: In nearly every minor sex trafficking case in the past 3 years, the victim has been trafficked in the Tri-Cities.

What forms of Human Trafficking are we seeing in Tri-Cities Washington? Forced Labor/Immigration  Massage Parlors  Indentured servitude/Prostitution  Forced Agricultural workers

 Partnerships Non-Governmental Organizations  Victim services  Legal aid  Health and medical  Mental health  Material assistance  Churches/Faith based organizations  Language (Interpretation/Translation)

 Partnerships Other Law Enforcement Agencies  Federal  Homeland Security, FBI, US Attorney  State  Prosecutors, CPS, Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Transportation  Local  City Police  Sheriff Department  Airport police

 Partnerships Community Organizations  Faith based organizations  Education  Resource  Material needs  Language  Ongoing contact

 The person appears to be under the control and supervision of someone who never leaves the person alone.  There are signs of malnutrition, dehydration, drug use or addiction, poor general health, or poor personal hygiene.  There are signs of physical abuse or neglect, such as scars, bruises, burns, unusual bald patches, tattoos that raise suspicion (for example, “Property of—” or gang-like symbols), or untreated medical problems.

 SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF SEX TRAFFICKING

 The person’s story about what she or he is doing doesn’t make sense.  The person appears depressed, frightened, anxious, or otherwise distressed.  The person lives with an employer, at the place of business or can’t give you an address.  Those who brought the person in for treatment are resistant to letting you speak with the person alone.  Seems anxious, fearful or paranoid. Avoids eye contact.

 Being a recent arrival to the United States and does not speak English.  Patient does not have personal identifying documentation.  Is under 18 and providing commercial sex acts. Or at any age unwillingly providing commercial sex acts.  Is afraid of law enforcement or receiving help from an outside entity.

 Is the patient accompanied by another person who seems controlling?  Does the person accompanying patient insist on giving information to health providers?  Can you see or detect any physical abuse?  Does the patient seem submissive or fearful?

 Separate the patient from ANY and ALL “family members” as you don’t know the person claiming to be a family member really is.  The victim will never disclose as long as he/she feels threatened by the trafficker.  Gather as much information about the patient as you possibly can.  Make sure all information (address, phone number, etc) is current and accurate.  Get phone number of a “family member”.

 Tell trafficker that it is important in order to reach patient about results of tests.  Get license plate of their vehicle (without traffickers knowledge).  Consider photographing the patient if possible.

Are you in any physical danger? Are you or your family being threatened? Are you being controlled by the person who brought you here? Are you involved in activities that you would like to stop? Have you been asked to have sex with men that you don’t want to? Can you leave your job or house when you want? Where did you get those bruises or is anyone hurting you? Do you get paid for your employment? Is it fair? How many hours do you work?

 Realize that for many reasons, the patient may not be truthful in his/her answer. e.g. Trauma Bonding/Stockholm Syndrome  Also be aware that if you find you are dealing with a true victim of trafficking, there may be some danger to you and your staff should you attempt to free the patient.  Be prepared for the minor patient to give evidence of being trafficked but not be willing to leave trafficker.  Most victims of DMST will be reluctant to leave their trafficker.

 As a healthcare professional, you are a mandated reporter of abuse of minors.  You are required to report your suspicions to law enforcement within 48 hours.  However, report while minor (or adult) is in hospital so that law enforcement can respond if they choose to before the trafficker moves the victim to another place.

ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE for determining the truthfulness of the disclosure. ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE for investigating the claim. ARE RESPONSIBLE ARE RESPONSIBLE for notifying law enforcement within 48 hours of the disclosure. Need help? Call SARC or JoDee Garretson, Executive Director

 24-Hour Crisis Line: You can call SARC at any time with questions. This line is answered by Agency Staff Mon-Fri 8-5, and all other hours and days of the week volunteers answer the line.  Volunteers may not be as knowledgeable about this particular issue; you can call JoDee Garretson, Executive Director, at any time.

Detective Jason Harrington Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Laurel Whittier JoDee Garretson, SARC Office: , Cell: