January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and throughout the month, detectives from the Sacramento Police Department's Human Trafficking Unit have conducted directed enforcement to combat human trafficking. In partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, California Department of Justice, and Sacramento Sheriff's Office, detectives posed as sex workers online and arranged to meet with sex buyers. 

Over 600 potential online sex buyers contacted undercover detectives about the sex ads, which resulted in 55 misdemeanor arrests for soliciting an act of prostitution. Several violators were found to be in possession of narcotics and illegal weapons, including one firearm. Additionally, detectives made one felony arrest for pandering, which is the act of persuading or encouraging someone to engage in prostitution. Detectives also provided education to individuals who were arrested about why purchasing sex contributes to human trafficking. 

The Sacramento Police Department remains dedicated to combating human trafficking in our community. As part of these efforts, the department will continue to conduct directed enforcement as well as work with our community partners to provide harm reduction to those affected by human trafficking.

Please see the following link for a recent news story about human trafficking which features an interview about our Human Trafficking Team’s enforcement efforts: ABC10 Selling Sex

The Sacramento Police Department encourages anybody with information regarding human trafficking activity to contact the dispatch center at (916) 808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.  Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.