Criminology and Public Policy
Volume 18, Issue 3, 2019, Pages 649-673

Failing victims? Challenges of the police response to human trafficking (Article)

Farrell A.* , Dank M. , de Vries I. , Kafafian M. , Hughes A. , Lockwood S.
  • a Northeastern University, United States
  • b John Jay College of Criminal Justice, United States
  • c Northeastern University, United States
  • d Northeastern University, United States
  • e John Jay College of Criminal Justice, United States
  • f Northeastern University, United States

Abstract

Research Summary: The police have a duty to provide assistance to crime victims. Despite the importance of this role, scholars examining police effectiveness have historically been less attentive to the needs of victims. As the police are increasingly called on to combat sex and labor trafficking crimes, it is timely to explore how this new population of victims is served by the police. Information from a review of human trafficking investigations and in-depth interviews with police and service providers in three U.S. communities indicates that human trafficking victims often do not trust the police and rarely seek their assistance. When the police do respond, human trafficking victims seek affirmation of their experiences and safety from future harm. Policy Implications: Recommendations are offered to improve police responses to human trafficking victims including efforts to build trust, promote victim safety, and meet the needs of victims outside of the justice system. © 2019 American Society of Criminology

Author Keywords

Human trafficking Victimization legal reform Policing

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85070094537&doi=10.1111%2f1745-9133.12456&partnerID=40&md5=60709ae21476424164aae85fa90570ba
DOI: 10.1111/1745-9133.12456
ISSN: 15386473
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English