ISP works to combat human trafficking
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Police (ISP) is actively working to address human trafficking in the state. ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly presented before the Senate Criminal Law Committee regarding Senate Bill 2323, which aims to enhance a victim-centered, trauma-informed response to trafficking. This legislation focuses on creating a strategic plan for law enforcement, emphasizing training standards in detection, investigation, and overall response to human trafficking cases.
Kelly highlighted the diverse nature of human trafficking, which includes commercial sex acts and forced labor, emphasizing the critical need for a comprehensive, statewide, trauma-informed approach. This approach is designed to engage everyone who might encounter trafficking victims, including law enforcement, child services, and treatment providers.
In an effort to combat this often unseen crime, the ISP Trafficking Enforcement Bureau (TEB) conducted seven demand suppression operations in 2024, leading to 31 arrests and 90 criminal charges. Specific local efforts in Danville resulted in five arrests and the submission of 16 charges. These charges encompassed various serious offenses, including Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Promoting Prostitution.
Since its establishment in 2022, TEB has trained over 1,200 officers in human trafficking awareness and provided advanced investigative training to more than 130 officers. In collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety, ISP initiated Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) training for front-line officers to help them identify potential victims.
ISP remains committed to a victim-centered methodology in its trafficking investigations and plans to organize at least one operation each month. The department collaborates with community organizations to offer vital services to trafficking survivors, including medical care, housing, and legal assistance. Victims of trafficking face substantial challenges, and the ISP encourages the public to learn about the signs of trafficking and seek help through the National Human Trafficking Hotline.