Private Investigators’ Knowledge of Human Trafficking and Ability to Identify Trafficking Victims
Charles Hounmenou, PhD | September 23 | 1:45-2:45 PM
Topic: Research, Law Enforcement | Knowledge Level: Advanced
Human trafficking investigations require collaboration not only within law enforcement, but also with other organizations such as social service providers and private organizations. Potential stakeholder organizations that have never been mentioned regarding collaboration with law enforcement agencies about trafficking investigations are private investigations agencies. There is no empirical literature about the knowledge of private investigators (PIs) in regard to the problem of human trafficking, and their ability to conduct investigations of trafficking cases and rescue trafficking victims. An exploratory, cross-sectional survey research design was used. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants. A total of 81 participants completed the survey. The findings show that most of the PIs in this study had substantial experience in specialties that are important for investigations of human trafficking. Most of the PIs were former law enforcement officers. The findings show that the majority of the PIs not only had a good level of knowledge of the problem of human trafficking, but also that they had the ability to identify trafficking victims. In addition, the findings highlight PIs’ professional skillset and experience to investigate human trafficking cases, which can be crucial contributions to efforts of recovering human trafficking victims and prosecuting perpetrators. Implications for practice, policy, and research will be discussed.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe what private investigators (PIs) are
· Describe PIs’ knowledge of human trafficking
· Explore skills that make PIs potential stakeholders in investigations of human trafficking crimes and the rescue of victims