Operation Breaking Chains working to stop human trafficking
Citrus County, Florida - During June, Citrus County, along with fifteen other counties in Florida, participated in a statewide initiative developed by the Florida Sheriff's Association (FSA) named Operation Breaking Chains. This operation follows emerging crime patterns and has identified areas throughout the state affected by human labor and sex trafficking. Persons of interest, leads and evidence were shared with other agencies for the purpose of rescuing victims and identifying suspects engaged in human and sex trafficking.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the State of Florida is ranked third in the nation for reports of human trafficking. This operation served as a public awareness effort to inform the public of human trafficking, prevention, rehabilitation and resources. Throughout the month, the CCSO worked on education efforts through the use of in-person contacts, educational materials and posting signs in high traffic areas.
Detectives from CCSO's Behavioral Health Unit and the Tactical Impact Unit conducted a two-day operation, as part of this initiative, to identify and rescue victims of human and sex trafficking and worked with members of the Intel Analysis and Victim Advocates Units to identify potential victims.
Thirteen sex workers were identified who engaged in risky and unsafe prostitution based activities.
All thirteen individuals were provided with help and referrals to community-based services, while others known to be trafficking or profiting from this activity were arrested. Ten of thirteen victims had substance abuse-related issues, one was pregnant, six had previously been trafficked by another individual, and one had resorted to this type of activity due to being homeless.
Nine of the thirteen individuals were highly receptive to services offered and have already taken the initiative to make appointments with providers to combat their drug addiction. Additionally, one of the victims was referred to Healthy Families' substance-exposed newborn program for guidance.
"In the coming months, our Behavioral Health Unit will continue to assist these victims," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "By staying in contact with these individuals, we hope to provide them with the support they need to make a clean break from the cycle of human trafficking."
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Operation Breaking Chains contributes to two of the Florida Sheriffs Association's business operations goals: to foster effective law enforcement and crime prevention and to promote the activities of Sheriffs.
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 90,000citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida's public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.