Attorney General Dave Sunday has collaborated with 41 Attorneys General in urging the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to grant law enforcement access to tips from the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The current grant to administer the hotline is being reconsidered, after the previous grant holder, Polaris, blocked law enforcement access to these critical tips.
"The hotline—888-373-7888—serves as a vital tool for neighbors, relatives, bystanders, victims, and survivors, and other witnesses to report valuable information about suspected trafficking activity," Sunday stated, emphasizing the hotline's importance.
Attorney General Sunday highlighted the potential of increased collaboration between communities and law enforcement in addressing human trafficking. "At a time when law enforcement is working in unity with the community to bring human trafficking out of the shadows, access to these tips could lead to more charges against traffickers – and more help for victims and survivors, who rarely escape on their own," he remarked. His office has established a dedicated Human Trafficking Section to combat these crimes.
It's important to note that the 41 Attorneys General are not seeking access to tips provided by victims and survivors who may wish to avoid contact with law enforcement. Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Administration for Children & Families, the hotline also accepts text messages from tipsters via the shortcode 233733.
Since 2007, Polaris has operated the hotline through Congressional funding. However, concerns have arisen regarding Polaris' failure to forward third-party tips about adult victims to state law enforcement, except under limited circumstances, and the delay of several months before sharing tips with the states.
The Attorneys General from several states and territories, including Alabama, Alaska, and California, alongside states like Maine and Virginia, have signed the letter advocating for change. The initiative has been led by Attorneys General Lynn Fitch of Mississippi, Kathy Jennings of Delaware, Liz Murrill of Louisiana, and Aaron Ford of Nevada.