Q&A
Recent efforts to strengthen NYPD's response to human trafficking
1:13:48
ยท
91 sec
Council Member Salaam inquires about recent efforts to strengthen the NYPD's response to human trafficking, including staffing and organizational changes. Deputy Chief Ortiz explains the recent restructuring and its benefits.
- Human trafficking unit was combined with Special Victims Unit in 2022
- This reorganization allows for better coordination and resource sharing
- The human trafficking unit has 24 detectives, with additional support from over 300 detectives in Special Victims
- The combination is seen as beneficial for coordinating efforts and avoiding re-traumatization of survivors
Yusef Salaam
1:13:48
I think you're seeing there.
1:13:50
Interesting.
1:13:54
And this is gonna be my last one for now.
1:13:56
In 2017, it was announced that the NYPD was hiring an additional 25 detectives to investigate sex trafficking cases, and the department would strengthen training to help officers identify warning signals, for trafficking.
1:14:11
What specific efforts has the department recently made to strengthen the city's response to human trafficking?
1:14:18
And what is the current NYPD current number of NYPD detectives and other staff dedicated to working on human trafficking investigations?
Carlos Ortiz
1:14:30
Excellent question, Jared.
1:14:31
And I think that's one of the reasons why they combined, human trafficking with special victims because along with, I forgot what's the number.
1:14:40
Total detectives.
1:14:42
Yeah.
1:14:42
Along with the 24 detectives, we also have over 300, detectives and special victims.
1:14:47
So it's kinda like a common, coordination where everybody's working on it.
1:14:51
Whatever Joe needs, he's part he's part of the family, for a better choice of words.
1:14:55
Whatever he needs, he he's gonna get.
1:14:56
So my my detectives also within those adult squads and child squads are also helping, the human trafficking unit.
1:15:03
And I think that again, I go back to that was kind of the best thing that happened in 2022 when they actually combined, com combined them under special victims.
Yusef Salaam
1:15:11
Thank you.
Carlos Ortiz
1:15:12
I'll pass it back.
UNKNOWN
1:15:14
I would
Althea Stevens
1:15:14
like to acknowledge, council member Williams who's on Zoom, and I'm going to pass it to chair, Lewis.