City of Portland, OR

09/27/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/27/2024 19:57

Mayor Wheeler and the Portland Police Bureau Share Ongoing Commitment to Address Prostitution and Sex Trafficking

News Article
Published
September 27, 2024 6:37 pm

Addressing ongoing prostitution and sex trafficking continues to be a priority for the Mayor and Portland Police Bureau (PPB), which has conducted numerous Human Trafficking Missions resulting in the arrest or citation 47 people for commercial sexual solicitation and/or unlawful prostitution procurement activities since June 2024, alone.

The Portland Police Bureau's Human Trafficking Unit (HTU)works diligently with regional law enforcement and federal partners to conduct Human Trafficking Missions and actively address concerns in our community, including illicit massage parlors, street prostitution, and the impacts these activities have on the larger community. These investigations can be very complex and can involve multiple jurisdictions, with a growing number of victims being transported from outside of the Portland area. Sex trafficking often has a nexus to illegal drug use and weapons, which can deeply impact neighborhoods. HTU conducts human trafficking missions regularly and is in frequent communication with community members to address this behavior.

"We are deeply committed to addressing the serious issue of sex trafficking and are working to expand our efforts to combat this devastating exploitation and the damage it causes to our community," said Mayor Ted Wheeler. "By employing best practices and a trauma-informed approach, the Portland Police Bureau's Human Trafficking Unit prioritizes accountability for those engaged in predatory behavior and the well-being of victims, striving to help them rebuild their lives. We are exploring all avenues of intervention and partnership."

Individuals engaged in sex trafficking are often reluctant to come forward and that makes it paramount to offer them trauma-informed, victim-centered services. PPB is asking victims of sex trafficking, or anyone with knowledge of it, to call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Tips can also be emailed to [email protected].

Human Trafficking Mission Results and Related News:

September 24, 2024

August 12, 2024

July 22, 2024

July 10, 2024

June 21, 2024

June 15, 2024

In May 2024, PPB released a podcast on efforts to combat sex trafficking in Portland. You can listen to it here.

On January 11, 2024, the Portland Police Bureau Human Trafficking Unit, Multnomah County District Attorney's Human Trafficking Team & Survivor and Advocate Robin Miller received the Oregon Department of Justice Human Trafficking Response and Intervention Team Impact Award for working together to better serve victims and survivors of sex trafficking. See more on the award here.

Last September, PPB debuted a video on the problem and devastating impacts of sex trafficking. You can watch it here.