During the month of January, the Arlington Police Department puts the spotlight on a crime that crosses national and international borders. The crime is called human trafficking. By definition it is the exploitation of an individual through force, fraud or coercion. It involves the recruitment, harboring or transporting of a person for labor or services for the sole purpose of involuntary servitude or forced commercial sex acts.
Through a federal grant, the APD, with guidance from the U.S. Attorney's Office - Northern District of Texas, has aligned efforts with other law enforce- agencies to form the North Texas Trafficking Task Force. This task force is comprised of law enforcement officials from Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI and many other north Texas agencies. Their mission is to rescue victims and ensure their safety through proactive law enforcement and social service delivery that uses a victim-centered approach.
NORTH TEXAS BY THE NUMBERS
- 63: Number of Reported Victims
- 9: Number of Reported Suspects
- 43: Number of Suspects Arrested
- 25-30: Number of human trafficking cases with Arlington connections
All in a Day's Work: On Call with APD Human Trafficking Coordinator Tammy Thomas
A typical day with the Arlington Police Department starts early for Human Trafficking Coordinator Tammy Thomas. If it's the morning after a sting operation involving criminal acts of prostitution, Thomas has follow up work to do first.
"A crucial part of what I do is try and build trust with those who are impacted by human trafficking," she said. "Oftentimes, the individuals we speak with don't have family support and they're left alone to navigate through life's ups and downs."
It is during vulnerable moments when perpetrators are able to inte- grate into the lives of unsuspecting victims, Thomas said. Victims are manipulated into a lifestyle that can quickly become less desirable and eventually painful. Human trafficking diminishes humanity and dignity, Thomas said. Nearly 70 percent of victims are women or young girls.
"It's very sad when we speak with a victim and we know she wants to get out, but is too afraid to take the lifeline that is being extended to her. With each victim we encounter, my hope is that something is said during those first few minutes of conversation that will resonate with her and she will believe that she deserves better."
Thomas is no stranger to serving and helping others. She has been with the City of Arlington since 1995 before moving into her new role with the APD Central Investigations Division.
This graduate of the Citizens Police Academy has served the department in numerous volunteer capacities, but it is her community outreach role that takes her across North Texas and into high schools, churches and truck stops to reach, teach and make a difference. In November, the NTTTF hosted a national training conference involving nearly 250 registered participants from law enforcement, medical and social service agencies. The one-day conference was held in partnership with Arlington ISD, the Safe City Commission and Tarrant County College.
APD officials say it is community outreach efforts like this that is resulting in an increase in rescued victims and a greater awareness of the crime.
"I am so proud to be a part of a team that's committed to improving the lives of others," Thomas said. "We invite the public to join us in recognizing the signs of human trafficking and then reporting this crime to police by calling 9-1-1."
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