Human Trafficking Awareness Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (PBC BCC) sought to attack the issue of Human Trafficking by developing strategies to combat it. They were the first in the State of Florida to approve an ordinance to enforce a Florida Statute requiring awareness signs be placed in adult entertainment and massage establishments. The signage was thoughtfully developed and translated into five languages. The PBC BCC went an additional step and included the requirement for Code Enforcement to perform random spot checks along with local law enforcement. They approved development and implementation of a Human Trafficking Awareness Program and website to provide training to front line employees, and a training video for ALL county employees in conjunction with the local Human Trafficking Coalition. Additionally, the PBC BCC supported implementation of screening for human trafficking in county Departments that may directly interface with victims and promoted participation in the local Human Trafficking Task Force. The purpose of the program is to heighten local concern surrounding human trafficking, reduce human trafficking through awareness training, direct service coordination, and collaboration. Through these efforts, Palm Beach County is identifying potential victims and working towards the prevention and elimination of trafficking of persons.