Task Force on Human Trafficking

Last year, the United States Congress passed a resolution declaring January 11 the National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness.  In special honor of this day, the Los Angles City Council recognized the recent accomplishments of LAPD’s Metropolitan Task Force on Human Trafficking.  Members from the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) were also honored.

The Metropolitan Task Force on Human Trafficking was established in 2005 by grant of the United States Department of Justice.  CAST was established in 1998, and was the first in the country to open a shelter exclusively for trafficking victims.

CAST representatives presented the most current national statistics on trafficking crimes. A new public service announcement produced by Councilman Tony Cardenas was shown.             

People have the perception that human trafficking is a problem that does not occur in the United States.  In 2003, Councilman Cardenas started spear-heading anti-trafficking policy after federal authorities found about 15 women in South Los Angeles who were forced to prostitute themselves to pay off their traffickers.