Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking, or modern day slavery, is a growing phenomenon in our world today. Most people are not aware that human trafficking exists and those who do believe it only involves female foreign nationals being kidnapped and forced to be sex slaves elsewhere in the world. Those who work with the population of human trafficking victims know that it definitely exists and that no country, state, town or person is immune from it. Human trafficking impacts victims as they are systematically stripped of their personal liberties, spirit and personal identity. Human trafficking is a human rights violation.

The Office of Commissioner Brooks has partnered with and serves as a representative on the North Texas Anti-Trafficking Team (NTATT). The team brings together representatives of  local, state and federal agencies to combat human trafficking activity in North Texas and Oklahoma through effective intelligence exchange, regional joint investigations, prosecution at any judicial level, experienced and knowledgeable analysis of human trafficking activity and high caliber training. In the summer of 2005, 31 area law enforcement agencies and social service providers formed the NTATT to develop working relationships leading to the increase of victim-centered rescue and restoration of human trafficking victims. Today, the NTATT has grown to approximately 40 members and serves the 54 counties in the Northern District of the U.S. Attorney General’s office.

To expand Tarrant County’s efforts, Commissioner Brooks hosted the first-ever “Human Trafficking and its Impact on Schools” forum. Commissioner Brooks invited key Administrators from Tarrant County school districts to hear the latest on human trafficking and its direct correlation to truancy.  The roster of speakers included representatives from law enforcement, the District Attorney’s office and local advocacy groups, who discussed ways in which communities in the county can collaborate to combat this issue.