BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts State Police have formed a new unit to investigate incidents of human trafficking involving juveniles.
Republican Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced the creation of the three-member team Tuesday.
Polito said the unit will work with the Department of Children and Families. It will also help local police departments on larger trafficking cases.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders said social workers and other mandated reporters will also begin alerting DCF about cases of suspected trafficking.
She says the cases will be treated as child abuse and reported to the special state police unit and district attorney for investigation and prosecution.
Sudders says in the past, young people involved in the sex trade could be charged with prostitution instead of being treated as victims of abuse.
“Our administration is pleased to announce these critical reforms during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month to target the drivers of trafficking and do more to keep our children and communities safe,” said Polito, chair of the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. “The council will continue working with law enforcement and community leaders to identify more ways to eradicate this epidemic, and we look forward to more collaboration with Attorney General Healey and the legislature on future efforts to end human trafficking in the Commonwealth and beyond.”
“The buying and selling of human lives is an abhorrent practice that is still taking place in Massachusetts, and we owe it to those who find themselves unwilling participants in it to take steps to stop it,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I’m pleased to have the State Police and DCF work collaboratively to implement and create new tools to increase reporting requirements and target trafficking for juveniles as we work to rid our Commonwealth of this abominable scourge.”
“Creating a dedicated Human Trafficking Unit within the State Police will enhance interagency cooperation and communication with the Department of Children and Families and assist law enforcement officials at all levels with their investigations of this terrible crime,” said Public Safety Secretary Dan Bennett.
“Protecting children in our care is a significant priority. This is another example of the Department of Children and Families strengthening its policies and furthering its commitment to child protection and safety. We are now able track reports of suspected human trafficking among youth,” said Sudders.
“I am proud of DCF staff leadership on a federal grant that engages law enforcement and providers in proactively identifying and supporting children who have been trafficked,” said DCF Commissioner Linda Spears. “A collaborative approach is crucial to protecting children from these predators and meeting the unique needs of youth who have been victimized.”
“One of the most important priorities of any police department is protection of the most vulnerable members of society,” said State Police Colonel Richard D. McKeon. “This unit will be an important part of our broader mission to protect the Commonwealth’s children and teenagers.”
