Q&A
Proactive steps by NYPD to identify human trafficking
1:07:18
ยท
75 sec
Council Member Salaam inquires about the proactive steps taken by the NYPD to identify human trafficking, particularly through online platforms. Lieutenant Picarello outlines the strategies employed by the human trafficking unit.
- The human trafficking unit is composed of three different squads
- Investigators open self-initiated cases and review social media for specific identifiers
- Other investigative tools are used to identify both trafficking victims and traffickers
- Supervisors review department complaint reports to look for common crimes committed by traffickers
Yusef Salaam
1:07:18
Gotcha.
1:07:21
So I wanna know what proactive steps does the NYPD take to identify human trafficking.
1:07:27
For instance, you
Joseph Picarello
1:07:28
know, is there a strategy for identifying traffickers that operate online through social media platforms to target exploit to target and exploit youth?
1:07:37
Yes.
1:07:37
So we do our best.
1:07:40
You know, just to go back for a second, the human trafficking unit is comprised of 3 different squads.
1:07:47
But all our investigators do our best at trying to open up self initiated cases, review social media, like you said.
1:07:56
We have specific identifiers that we look for.
1:08:00
Not only that, but we also take a proactive approach with other investigative tools, available to us to identify, our trafficking victims as well as our traffickers.
1:08:14
You know, I could speak for myself and the other supervisors on the squad.
1:08:18
On our downtime, we're, going through department 6, complaint reports, trying to, look for specific identifiers, which are common, crimes committed by traffickers.