PART I - The Role of Tattoos/Branding in Human Trafficking
This workshop helps practitioners, law enforcement personnel, parole & probation, advocates and other stakeholders understand the significance of tattoos and tattooing in the world of human trafficking. Findings from a study conducted in partnership between the Multnomah CountySheriff’s Office and Portland State University demonstrate the extent to which certain categories, locations on the body, and quantities of tattoos are related to human sex trafficking for both victims and traffickers. Taken from both interviews with law enforcement personnel, survivors, traffickers and database photographs we explore how understanding the meanings and placement of tattoos can aid in developing therapeutic as well as legal and investigative tools for all stakeholders.
PART II: Information Mining of Traffickers While Incarcerated
The breadth of information within correctional facilities across the country should be harnessed and not wasted. Human trafficking is all too common and doesn’t halt once a trafficker is in custody. Human traffickers and gangs have become more diversified in their business plans with increased trafficking of individuals leaving scars across the nation with exploited victims.
Information mining of trafficker activity while incarcerated (e.g., Monitoring phones, relationship analysis, mail, money deposits, visiting forms, and phone numbers called) may be used to obtain subpoenas, search the internet, comb through the digital footprint that trafficking leaves behind and be shared with anti-trafficking partners.