Human Trafficking Awareness
How to Recognize the Common Signs of Human Trafficking
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s DepartmentGhost Unit
Describe Human Trafficking
What words or scenarios come to mind when you think of human trafficking?
Who is trafficked?1. Kids not living with primary
guardians2. History of Physical and Sexual
Abuse3. History of severe childhood
neglect4. Drug or Alcohol Addictions (kids
and parents)5. Violence in the home6. Girls and Boys7. ABQ has on average 4,000
homeless children at any time.
Runaway Children 1. State Law requires parents to report
children missing if they don’t know where they are. No time to wait.
2. Not a “Status Offense” to Run Away.3. Medical Consent at age 144. Emancipation at 165. School Attendance Mandatory until
Diploma/GED/Age 18
How Does a Trafficking Victim Behave1. The relationship is about Easy
Rewards2. Coercion3. Control4. Addiction5. Dependency6. Threats7. Disposal8. Domestic Violence
The Ghost Unit● Unit Formed in 2014● Victim Centered Approach - Put
Victims on Equal Footing as Police, build up their trust
● Training Deputies and work with outside agencies to identify victims and provide services to stabilize them.
● 3 Detectives and 10 Patrol Deputies (High Risk Victim Unit)