Reporting Human Trafficking in the DoD and Beyond

Reporting Human Trafficking in the DoD and Beyond

By law, if a credible report* of any form of potential trafficking in persons comes through the chain of command, it is your responsibility to:

  • evaluate the information
  • ensure victim safety and needs
    *[Definition: 22 U.S.C. 7102 (6); PL 115-427]

Judge Advocates should:

  • advise the commander on whether and what is the proper course of action including ordering an investigation to determine the scope of the violation
  • provide legal advice to the commander on human trafficking violations when human trafficking is suspected or confirmed

By law, incidences of trafficking in DoD federal contracting must be documented in FAPIIS [FAR 22.1705 (d)]

By law, upon receipt of an Office of Inspector General report substantiating an allegation that the recipient of a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement (or any subgrantee, subcontractor, or agent of the recipient) engaged in human trafficking, DoD must refer the matter to the Suspension and Debarment Office. [PL 117-211]

DoD Reporting Procedures

  • Report anything suspicious to your chain of command
  • Report incidents to your local DoD IG Office through the DoD IG Hotline at 1-800-424-9098 or to their website
  • List any establishments as “off limits” that you believe may be involved in TIP
  • Never act ALONE, you may want to help, but trafficking situations are dangerous

Military OneSource has a Mandated Reporting Checklist and an Online Guide entitled, “How to Report Child Abuse or Neglect in the Military,” published in July 2022. It discusses the initial assessment and notes that, “Depending upon the situation, you may report child abuse or neglect to one or more of the following organizations:

  • 911 or the military police
  • Family Advocacy Program
  • Child Welfare Services
  • Your state’s child abuse reporting hotline
  • The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 recognized human trafficking as a form of child abuse.

You may also report suspected trafficking to Military Criminal Investigative Organizations (MCIOs) at:

HELP STOP TRAFFICKING - REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

Federal Hotlines

Several Federal outlets exist for reporting potential trafficking situations.

  • National Human Trafficking Hotline* (1-888-373-7888), a 24-7 Telephone and Text Number: 233733 (BEFREE)
  • National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline or CyberTIPLine 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

*Federal Buildings are Required to post the National Human Trafficking Hotline Number for Reporting. Signs are available from the CTIP PMO Office.