Human Trafficking and the Criminal Justice System in Utah: An Overview of Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership Efforts

In a qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews, I asked eleven participants from Utah's criminal justice system about their experience responding to cases of human trafficking in Utah. Participants detailed instances of forced labor in the service industries (i.e., restaurant, hotels, agriculture, construction), as well as instances of forced marriage, illegal adoption, and forced prostitution, particularly in the massage and escort businesses. There was an overwhelming consensus that human trafficking is a crime getting little attention from both the public and law enforcement. Participants cited a number of common activities they see as critical in addressing the fight against human trafficking. Based on participant response and review of the literature, I offer the following recommendations to the task force: increased public education of trafficking and stakeholder training; continued and consistent prosecution; access to comprehensive victim services for both U.S.- and immigrant-born victims; and continued collaboration among members of the criminal justice system via the Utah Trafficking in Persons task force