Human Trafficking Investigation

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Human trafficking is considered any exploitation of a human being (“Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit,” 2015). When investigating human trafficking, an investigator’s main focus is to prove that a crime has occurred and present proof of the movement of a person who is then “forced into prostitution, involuntary labor and other forms of servitude to repay debts” (“Human Trafficking,” 2015). During an investigation of human trafficking, an investigator must prove probable cause, compose a search warrant, and conduct a search to prove the crime. This essay will explain the pre-search activities of a human trafficking investigation including the steps an investigator takes during the investigation, as well as a search warrant for the case.
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In order to indicate probable cause, an investigator signs the affidavit, which summarizes all collected information that proves the existence of the crime (Internal Revenue Service, 1993). Affidavits that are completed for generic search warrants should include “proof of the investigator’s experience, detailed information regarding the crime, descriptions of all places to be searched, any evidence and all items that investigator’s wish to seize” (Internal Revenue Service, 1993). Affidavits to search financial records require more information than those for other searches (Internal Revenue Service, 1993). This additional information relies heavily upon the investigator’s experience and focuses upon the location that he or she believes will have evidence and other records connecting to the crime (Internal Revenue Service, …show more content…
In addition to all information within the affidavit, a list should be attached and provided to the magistrate that gives the specific residence and property to be searched or seized (Lushbaugh & Weston, 2012, p. 266). Some known patterns of human trafficking take place in “strip clubs, massage parlors, brothels, sweatshops where garments are manufactured, agricultural sites employing migrant labor, restaurants employing workers to bus tables and wash dishes, and homes employing domestic help…” (Venkatraman, 2003). If the crime involves a business, business areas can be searched for any additional information or proof that could lead to the suspect of the crime. The final step in the investigation is to conduct a search and collect any evidence connected to the crime. When a computer contains information regarding a crime or victims of a crime, investigators will seize and process the computer to prove its involvement in the case. The computer would be transported to a computer forensics lab to be analyzed by computer specialists (Lushbaugh & Weston, 2012, p. 283). There, the specialists would use different techniques that can analyze the computer’s history and activity in order to distinguish any misuse (Lushbaugh & Weston, 2012, p.