Human trafficking is one of the most pervasive and devastating crimes of our time, exploiting some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. As a law enforcement officer in New Orleans, a major port city, I have seen firsthand how traffickers take advantage of large transportation hubs to operate in the shadows. It is a crisis that cannot be fought alone. If we are serious about stopping human trafficking, public-private partnerships must be a core part of our strategy.
At the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, I oversee the Crime Victims Reparations Unit, where we work daily to protect and support those who have suffered from violent crimes, including trafficking. While law enforcement agencies are on the front lines of this battle, we cannot win it without the support of private-sector partners who provide critical resources, technology and intelligence.
One of the most valuable partnerships we developed was with Securus Technologies, a corrections-based technology that helps law enforcement track and prevent criminal activity. Through data analysis and monitoring tools, we gained access to crucial intelligence that helps us identify trafficking networks, rescue victims, and hold traffickers accountable. These insights are invaluable in a city like New Orleans, where our vast port system and high volume of tourism create an environment that traffickers exploit.
Human trafficking thrives in secrecy, which is why information-sharing is key to dismantling these networks. Through partnerships, law enforcement gains access to advanced investigative tools that allow us to track patterns, monitor suspicious communications, and uncover trafficking rings that might otherwise go undetected. This kind of collaboration strengthens our ability to respond quickly and effectively, making it harder for traffickers to operate.
Beyond technology, public-private partnerships also play a crucial role in awareness and education. A powerful example of this unfolded recently in New Orleans. Over the course of a week, teams were on the ground training more than 200 law enforcement officers, volunteers and community partners to recognize trafficking risks and take action. Mobilization efforts included 75 volunteers distributing more than 10,000 booklets featuring missing children, and thanks to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 14 missing children and one adult female were successfully recovered. Additionally, the mission produced 80 verified intelligence leads — each containing critical information to help identify trafficking victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
Every successful recovery is a reminder that human trafficking isn’t a distant issue— it’s happening around us every day. By training law enforcement, leveraging technology, and extending public awareness, we can continue to make a real difference.
For law enforcement agencies looking to expand their efforts against human trafficking, my advice is simple: be vigilant and build strong partnerships. The reality is that no single agency has the resources or reach to fight this issue alone. We need the support of technology providers, advocacy groups, and the community to create a unified front against traffickers.
Every law enforcement agency should have access to partners who bring cutting-edge technology and a commitment to public safety into the fight. Their work, combined with the dedication of law enforcement and advocacy groups, makes a real difference in identifying traffickers, rescuing victims and holding criminals accountable.
The fight against human trafficking is far from over, but through strong public-private partnerships, we can disrupt trafficking networks, protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice. New Orleans is taking a stand, and I encourage other agencies to do the same — because together, we are stronger.
