STOP Human Trafficking Task Force: An Anti-Trafficking Collaboration Between BCFS Health and Human Services and the San Antonio Police Department-serving 12 counties in Central Texas.

STOP Human Trafficking Task Force (STOP HTTF) will continue the partnership of BCFS Health and Human Services (BCFC HHS) and San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). STOP HTTF’s other lead members—local USAO and Bexar County DA—and the core members—HSI, FBI, and Bexar County SO—are committed to continuing STOP HTTF efforts.

STOP HTTF plans to increase access to services and identification of trafficking survivors by completing a gap analysis of trafficking services already provided to identify remaining needs; engage underserved communities like immigrant, LGTBQ+, disabled, Tribal groups, and unaccompanied minors, a largely male population; and develop a training and outreach plan for additional engagement with emphasis on marginalized and underserved communities.

STOP HTTF wants to increase arrests and prosecutions of traffickers by fostering more collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors, developing a labor trafficking screening tool for law enforcement use, and looking for new proactive investigative techniques to target traffickers.

STOP HTTF will also create a lived expert council to maintain a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach to victim services, investigations, and prosecutions. Updating protocols, hiring of a task force coordinator, and continuing task force meetings will facilitate the objectives by serving more victims of labor and sex trafficking, increasing access to services for those in underserved or marginalized communities, and prosecuting more traffickers.