While the Denver Broncos had success on the field on February 7, the FBI, along with countless state and local law enforcement agencies and community groups, saw success off the field. FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bertram Fairries, says that the fourteenth months of preparation leading up to Super Bowl Sunday had a major impact in the crackdown on sex trafficking. Fairries released the following results from the weeks leading up to the game:
- Twelve pimps, including ten men and two women, were arrested.
- Investigators made contact with 129 prostituted persons, most of whom were not arrested, but were offered services.
- Eighty-five “Johns” were arrested for soliciting sex.
- Seven juveniles, ranging from fourteen to seventeen, were recovered from traffickers/pimps.
In order to implement its new, victim-centered approach, the FBI set up the Human Trafficking Operations Center (HOTC), which coordinated all law enforcement activities throughout the Bay Area. The HTOC allowed law enforcement to share information and tips, which contributed to the success of the program. In addition to the collaboration among law enforcement, the FBI says the success of the program depended on the collaboration of nearly seventy community groups, victim service providers, and victim advocates. Service providers accompanied FBI agents on raids and were able to offer a way out of “the life.” Local services providers also offered clothing, food, and referrals to health care facilities and shelters to victims identified by the program.
The increased attention brought to the new FBI program also had a measurable impact on the “demand” surrounding the game. Fairries noted that some of the internet sites that were monitored for communications between traffickers and “Johns” had disclaimers that they were not operating that weekend because of increased police presence.
Although Super Bowl Sunday has come and gone, it is important to remember that sex trafficking remains a huge problem and should not be overlooked. San Francisco FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Johnson highlighted this point, “Though we think it’s important to focus on this issue in light of a high-profile event, the sad reality is, this is a problem we see every day in communities across the country. The FBI and its partners remain committed to the identification and rescue of minor victims, and to hold accountable those who exploit children for financial gain.” Johnson further stated that he hopes the partnerships that were built and enhanced as a result of the Super Bowl operation will build a “lasting framework” in the San Francisco community. The CSE Institute commends the work of all of the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who worked collaboratively with local service providers to crack down on traffickers, while providing services to the victims.
Web Sources:
http://abc7news.com/news/exclusive-war-waged-on-pimps-human-traffickers-during-sb50/1194008/