Dallas, Texas News

Dallas Police Highlight Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking During Awareness Month

Irving Journal Staff

| Published

January 7, 2025

January marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, with January 11 designated as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The Dallas Police Department remains committed year-round to investigating and combating human trafficking through a multifaceted and victim-centered approach.

Human Trafficking: A Crime Without Borders

Human trafficking involves exploiting individuals through force, fraud, or coercion. Victims have been identified from all 50 U.S. states and various countries worldwide. Traffickers often move victims between cities to disorient them, further complicating their escape.

Dallas Police Initiatives

The department's Special Investigations Division actively tackles human trafficking by:

Identifying suspected traffickers.
Monitoring locations traffickers frequent.
Targeting individuals involved in purchasing sex.
Offering outreach to sex workers believed to be trafficking victims, connecting them with nonprofit partners for resources and support.

Focus on High-Risk Victims

The High-Risk Victims and Trafficking Squad focuses on cases involving children and conducts outreach on issues such as online safety, child sexual abuse, and trafficking prevention. In 2024, over 15,000 people, including teens, educators, coaches, and community leaders, attended educational presentations led by this team.

Victim-Centered Approach

Dallas Police prioritize survivor support over prosecution for offenses committed due to victimization. Partnerships with vetted non-governmental organizations provide tailored services, from emergency aid to long-term restorative care. Juvenile victims receive specialized care through collaborations with the Children’s Advocacy Center, which offers dedicated advocates, social services, and Child Protective Services support.