National Institute of Justice : Trafficking in Persons Research & Activities

John T. Picarelli, National Institute of Justice
Karen Bachar, National Institute of Justice

Presented at First Annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking, Lincoln, Nebraska, October 29-31, 2009.

Abstract

NIJ’s human trafficking research is intended to provide information, data, analysis, and recommendations that are useful to policymakers and practitioners in the field. Based on previous research, identified needs in the knowledge base, and NIJ development activities, this research focuses on five aspects of the issue:

Nature and Extent of Trafficking: developing methodology to obtain reliable estimates of trafficking in the United States, and understanding criminal networks and operations of traffickers. This is crucial to inform the debate on extent of human trafficking, and for assessing law enforcement investigation, arrest, prosecution, and prevention efforts.

Detecting and Investigating Traffickers: survey professionals in identified source, transit, and destination locations to examine current approaches in developing reliable information for trafficking cases. Assessment of efforts to solve the problems of border control and jurisdictional issues that often complicate trafficking investigations.

Prosecuting Traffickers: improve understanding of the prosecution challenges in trafficking cases. Interviews with prosecutors and examination of cases in the U.S. and abroad to assess problems and promising approaches in evidentiary issues (esp. victims and witnesses) and in available legal tools and procedures.

Services for Trafficking Victims: examine how trafficking victims have had their personal and criminal situations resolved, identify effective ways to secure victim/witness cooperation, and evaluate their medical and legal needs.

Reduction in Demand for Trafficking: examine ways to reduce the demand for all forms of trafficking, evaluate existing mechanism for effectiveness and portability.

All projects are listed in chronological order according to NCJRS posting date or expected completion date.