REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a Resolution of Local Support Combatting Human Trafficking
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Sunnyvale received multiple letters from Sunnyvale residents expressing significant concern over the issue of human trafficking and requesting Council consideration for approval of a resolution in support of efforts to combat human trafficking.
Despite receiving numerous requests for resolutions supporting specific policy positions (such as opposition to human trafficking), the City has historically reserved the use of resolutions to recognize individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary, lasting, and significant contributions to the community. Positions supporting or opposing specific legislation are typically captured via City Policy in the Council Policy Manual, which facilitates easy reference and enables quick advocacy action when necessary. In this particular case, while this issue is widely legislated at various governmental levels, human trafficking has a real impact within our region and, as we understand, there is a majority of Council and wide spread community support for the City to take a position on combatting human trafficking efforts.
This report and the public hearing are offered in lieu of the previously requested study session by Council.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Goal SN-3 - Safe and Secure City - Ensure safe and secure environment for people and property in the community by providing effective public safety response and prevention and education services.
Policy SN-3.2 - Control conduct recognized as threatening to life and property.
Policy SN-3.3 - Provide investigative services directed toward successful prosecution and conviction of criminal offenders.
Policy SN-3.4 - Reduce crime and fear by strengthening the police/community partnership.
Policy SN-3.6 - Aid those who cannot care for themselves (intoxicated, addicted, mentally ill, physically disabled, the young, the old).
DISCUSSION
Per the United States Department of State, human trafficking is defined as the use of force, fraud or coercion to exploit a person for commercial sex or for the purpose of subjecting a victim to involuntary servitude, debt bondage, or forced labor. The use of force or coercion can be direct and violent, or psychological. The South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking (SBCEHT) states that the Bay Area is a top destination point for trafficked victims based upon the abundance of transportation options, its powerful economy and accelerating population and the large immigrant population. SBCEHT reports that as many as 17,500 people are believed to be trafficked in the United States each year, with the majority being women and children.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) understands the scope and seriousness of this issue and is committed to prevention and enforcement of human trafficking laws. This is accomplished through regular and on-going training to all sworn staff, information sharing with law enforcement partners and swift response to reported or suspected cases of human trafficking. Training involves review of statutory updates, case studies, crime trends, investigative techniques and available resources.
DPS has three personnel assigned to an investigative support unit that receives additional directed training on the issue. These personnel share information within the department on the issue of human trafficking especially as it relates to locations in the City of Sunnyvale. The investigative unit is also responsible for handling and addressing specific complaints of human trafficking that are received.
In additional to internal efforts, DPS work closely with local, state and federal agencies in an effort to prevent and combat human trafficking. The collaborative effort provides DPS the opportunity to call upon additional resources when needed and provide assistance when requested. DPS has been supportive of recent legislative efforts focused on reducing environments that have provided venues for the crime of human trafficking, such as massage parlor establishments.
The proposed resolution states that the City will adopt a legislative advocacy position (LAP) in support of anti-trafficking measures. Staff has drafted the following LAP for Council consideration: "The City will support legislation that improves education, training, and enforcement efforts aimed at combatting human trafficking."
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the proposed resolution, as presented in Attachment 1, to combat the crime of human trafficking.
2. Adopt the LAP as presented in this report.
3. Provide other direction.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternatives 1 and 2: 1) Approve the proposed resolution, as presented in Attachment 1, to combat the crime of human trafficking; and 2) Adopt the LAP as presented in this report.
Staff is supportive of the request by members of the community to further efforts in combatting the crime of human trafficking.
Staff
Prepared by: Frank J. Grgurina, Director of Public Safety
Reviewed by: Robert A. Walker, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENT
1. A Resolution of Local Support - Combatting Human Trafficking - Staff Training, Assistance and Identifying Vulnerable Populations and Legislative Advocacy