Attorney General Kathy Jennings of Delaware and Attorney General Lynn Fitch of Mississippi are at the forefront of a bipartisan initiative involving 40 state and territory attorneys general. The coalition has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging improved collaboration with local law enforcement by the future operator of the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Attorney General Jennings highlighted the urgency, stating, “Human trafficking victims can’t afford to wait while an operator decides their case is worthy. People who call a publicly funded reporting hotline deserve to know that their reports are making it to law enforcement." She also criticized Polaris, the current operator of the hotline, emphasizing, "Polaris’ failure to carry out that mission is unacceptable. This is a bipartisan priority, and we’re asking DHHS to be our partner in protecting victims and finding traffickers before they can cover their tracks."
Echoing these concerns, Attorney General Fitch remarked, “Local law enforcement needs third-party tips to end trafficking and help its victims. Polaris’ refusal to share this vital intelligence has severely impacted the value of the National Hotline for victims of human trafficking."
Polaris has managed the hotline since 2007 with significant Congressional funding. The hotline is relied upon to provide third-party tips of suspected human trafficking to law enforcement. However, a recent revelation disclosed that Polaris was not forwarding these tips about adult victims to state law enforcement, except in specific circumstances. Additionally, reports of delays lasting months have been noted.
This situation runs counter to the expectations of states, organizations, and Congress. In early 2023, a bipartisan group of 36 attorneys general requested Congress mandate the hotline to report third-party tips to law enforcement. Subsequently, former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra committed the agency to include specific coordination requirements with law enforcement in future award notices.
The HHS is currently seeking applicants for the hotline's operation, with a submission deadline set for May 2, 2025. Critical to the process is ensuring the new operator develops a plan for effective law enforcement collaboration.
The attorneys general, in their letter to HHS, emphasized the necessity of selecting a grant recipient committed to timely reporting of trafficking tips. They stressed the importance of public education about recognizing and reporting trafficking.
In clarification, the coalition stated they are not requesting the hotline to report calls from victims who do not wish for their call to be relayed. However, they emphasize forwarding tips from others, such as truckers, flight attendants, and front desk clerks, as these can be crucial in saving lives.
The letter bears the signatures of attorneys general from 38 other states and territories, demonstrating broad support for improved reporting standards and law enforcement collaboration on human trafficking issues.