Recognition and Prevention of Sex Trafficking in Adult Corrections Facilities

Law enforcement, in general, has taken big steps in training officers to recognize sex trafficking victims and perpetrators on the street.

However, there is a profound disconnect between recognizing a sex trafficking victim on the street and recognizing a victim after they are incarcerated.

This is especially true when dealing with incarcerated adults.

The corrections profession must learn to recognize sex trafficking within its walls.

This crime and many others linked to it, have the potential to compromise the safety and security of our corrections facilities, the inmates within these facilities and the community our Departments are committed to protecting.

Pima County Sheriff's Department Corrections Sergeant Barbara Mattes discusses how and why sex traffickers are using adult correction facilities to recruit victims.

She will also examine some of the reasons why it is important to implement training and procedures to prevent this crime and discusses effective ways to combat it.