O.C. agencies unite to combat human trafficking

O.C. Agencies Unite to Combat Human Trafficking

WHAT: Orange County law enforcement, transportation officials and the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force will hold a joint news conference to discuss the growing problem of human trafficking and efforts to put an end to the crime through strict enforcement and community partnerships.

The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force, which was founded and is currently administrated by nonprofit organization Community Service Programs, will release its 2014 Human Trafficking Victim Report. A key finding is that the number of perpetrators of human trafficking crimes in Orange County doubled between 2011 and 2013. On average, eight new human trafficking victims are identified each month in Orange County and nearly half of all victims are minors.

The Orange County Transportation Authority will discuss the launch of its “Be The One” public awareness campaign and training of its coach operators that aims to provide assistance to victims and those who spot crimes.

The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force is a collaboration to combat the issue, involving law enforcement, non-profit agencies, victim service providers, faith-based groups and the larger community – including agencies such as OCTA.

WHO:

• Third District Supervisor and OCTA Director Todd Spitzer
• Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens
• Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas
• Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada
• OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson
• Community Service Programs Director of Victim Assistance Programs Ronnetta Johnson
• Community Service Programs Program Director of Victim Assistance Programs Lita Mercado

WHEN: 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014

WHERE: OCTA Headquarters, 550 S. Main Street in Orange, CA 92863

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