Human Trafficking - BPOC 736, Module E, Chapter 21, Units 18-28 Flashcards
What benefits does the TVPA offer to trafficking victims?
Medical care, witness protection, housing assistance, and other social services
What does the TVPA offer to police agencies?
Ensures availability of trafficking victims to serve as witnesses at the trial of the offender(s)
Who conducts the investigation and makes the determination that a trafficking victim meets the requirements for certification?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
What is the difference between a T-Visa and a Temporary Stay?
A Temporary Stay only allows victims to stay in the US during the pendency of the investigation and trial of the traffickers; a T-Visa allows victim to remain in the US for four year and then apply for permanent residency
What is the Form I-914, Supplement B?
“Declaration of Law Enforcement Officer for Victim of Trafficking in Persons” - written by a federal officer certifying that victims have indeed suffered a severe form of trafficking, and that statement made in the personal narrative are factual; contains proof that victims are cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of their traffickers; does not need to be submitted to prove a claim of trafficking, but “endorsement by a federal law enforcement officer constitutes primary evidence that the applicant is a victim and has complied with any reasonable request for assistance in the investigation and prosecution of traffickers.”
Where do you find the Texas Statute on Human Trafficking?
Title 5. Chapter 20A. Offenses Against the Person. Trafficking of Persons
What is a Victim Service Provider?
An organization or individual that serves victims of crime or abuse. They provide emotional support, information about victims’ rights, help in finding resources, and assistance with related forms. VSPs can be public or private, nonprofit, or for-profit, and work in various fields such as law enforcement, health care, and education
Why is it necessary for law enforcement to cooperate with Victim Service Providers?
VSPs are invaluable to the success of an investigation and prosecution. VSPs are usually the first to establish rapport with the victims. They provide shelter and other services needed to see victims through the investigation, trial, and recovery process. Many foreign nationals were fleeing countries with corrupt law enforcement who have victimized them too, so they have been conditioned to fear the police. Because victims are fearful of law enforcement, VSPs often gather information for prosecutorial purposes. VSPs must be properly trained to elicit the correct information. Law enforcement helps by educating VSPs on the type of information they need.
What are the three types of Victim Service Providers in Texas?
Governmental, Non-Governmental (NGO), and a combination of Governmental and NGO
What are the Governmental Victim Service Providers?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Name five Texas NGOs.
Unbound, Voice of Hope (Lubbock), Traffick 911 (North Texas), For the Silent (East Texas), SAFE (Austin), MOSAIC (Dallas)
What services are provided by NGOs?
Interpreters, Housing, Medical Needs, Legal Services, Education and Employment Assistance
What have officers from local, state, and federal agencies identified as their greatest challenge?
Lack of resources, mainly shelters; lack of interpreters; limited training on the TVPA and state laws; limited knowledge on how to conduct proper investigations, especially in recognizing indicators to identify trafficking victims; not enough task forces; not enough funds; lack of standard protocols to guide investigations; limited collaboration among agencies
What are some important considerations on interviewing in trafficking cases?
(1) Investigators should work together to avoid having multiple interviews on record with conflicting information; (2) sociological and psychological barriers may impede the process, include sociocultural differences, language, and gender; (3) men and women may be more willing to talk to law enforcement personnel and service providers of the same gender
What are some key considerations in evidence collection in trafficking cases?
(1) Traffickers use ordinary methods of commerce for activities in support of their crimes; reviewing records can provide valuable evidence; (2) surveillance, analysis of trash and correspondence, undercover operations, and review of funding records can also reveal pertinent information; (3) the nature of these crimes requires appropriate social and cultural orientation to effectively gather criminal intelligence and arrest perpetrators; ethnic community groups, immigrant and workers’ rights NGOs can assist in gaining access to culturally insulated communities; (4) law enforcement agencies should only seek the assistance of organizations with a proven record of assisting trafficking victims and collaborating with investigating authorities.
