Southern Nevada Enhanced Collaborative Task Force

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and Community Action Against Rape DBA Signs of HOPE (SOH) through its RISE Program (Resources and Integration for Survivor Empowerment) are each requesting $750,000 to support the Southern Nevada Human Trafficking Task Force (SNHTTF). Its overall mission is to prevent all forms of human trafficking, protect victims, prosecute offenders through partnership with community organizations, and provide an array of survivor-informed services implementing a trauma-informed, victim-centered lens.  

The SNHTTF serves Clark County, Nevada, comprised of 8,061 square miles bordering Arizona and California, with an estimated population of 2,388,515 million. Per the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, there were 32,230,600 visitors in 2021.

Currently, there are 942 human trafficking cases under investigation. Over the last three years:  

•    539 - Sex and labor trafficking victims were identified by law enforcement.
•    152 -  Cases were prosecuted.  
•    35,770 - Services provided by SOH to 526 victims of all forms of human trafficking.

The primary goals of this project are to:

1)    Sustain effective leadership structure and review operational protocols ensuring growth and community engagement
2)    Employ data-driven decisions informing evidence-based practices
3)    Conduct victim-centered, trauma-informed investigations of all forms of human trafficking to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators
4)    Ensure a comprehensive array of services to all victims
5)    Continue developing and delivering training, outreach, and awareness programs to improve community response to all forms of human trafficking  
6)    Continue providing resources and strategies for long-term sustainability of task force operations

The SNHTTF works with local, state, and federal law enforcement and prosecutors and community agencies to inform and support investigative and prosecutorial practices, train, and ensure access to wraparound services for victims of all forms of human trafficking.  Community partnerships, including the school district, mental health organizations, and medical professionals, provide comprehensive services for victims. The SNHTTF also maintains partnerships with tribal police, businesses, hospitality, security, transportation, and licensing boards to expand resources to identify victims of all forms of human trafficking.

Through leadership, collaboration, committees, and multidisciplinary training, the SNHTTF continues to strengthen their presence in the community and will allow for increased focus on labor trafficking. Consistent data collection and evaluation support using  best practices and ensure a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach is implemented in service, advocacy, policing, and prosecution.