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During the operation, the LVMPD partnered with R.I.S.E. (The Resources and Integration for Survivor Empowerment program) to set up a vice operations center that ran 24 hours a day for a week.
The operation was run under a victim-centered approach. In this style of approach, victim advocates respond with LVMPD to scenes in order to connect with victims and immediately offer services and resources, according to Captain Cintron.
“Some of these victims may not even view themselves as victims,” Cintron said.
During the operation, Las Vegas police located five juveniles who were believed to be victims of sex trafficking. Deputy Chief Farese said the juveniles were reported as runaways who were then preyed upon by sex traffickers.
In total, police identified 215 victims and, with the help of R.I.S.E and victim advocates, offered them services such as emergency housing and legal protection from their trafficker.
Of those 215 victims, only 21 people accepted the service.
“We don’t look at it as being frustrating. We look at it as a huge win on our end,” R.I.S.E. CEO Kimberly Small said. “We do this on a daily basis. So when we see victims that want to follow up, we see that as a win. Each and every time we see it as a win, no matter how many.”
During the operation, police arrested more than 70 people for various sex-related crimes. Of those arrested, 36 were for sex trafficking, 31 for soliciting sex, and seven for luring a child/soliciting a minor.
Captain Cintron said the seven were arrested as part of a covert op where the suspects believed they were meeting an underaged victim for sex.
Deputy Chief Farese said a local public awareness campaign will soon launch to help increase awareness and teach the community the signs to look for in sex trafficking. More information about the effort will be shared soon.
Here are the things to look out for in sex trafficking victims:
Do they appear to be disconnected from family or friends?
Do they appear fearful or controlled by someone else?
Are they missing school or are dressed up to appear older than they are?
Are they going out by themselves in public late at night?
For parents and guardians, Captain Cintron says to check your child’s phones to see who they are texting and talking to in phone calls, or social media. Have conversations with your kids about the dangers and what to look out for.
“Each of these victims is someone’s daughter, sister, or family member. Together, as a community, we can help them become survivors,” Cintron said.
If you or anyone you know may be a victim of sex trafficking, call or text R.I.S.E. at 702-936-4004.
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/las-vegas-police-arrest-more-than-70-in-sex-trafficking-operation-during-grand-prix-week/