LITTLE ROCK.— Sixteen adults believed to be victims of human trafficking were offered services, and another 79 local victims were identified as part of Operation BRIGHT (Bringing Rescue and Intervention to Give Hope and Triumph), which took place in Little Rock this month. One suspected trafficker was identified.
Arkansas State Police (ASP) and members of the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council conducted the recovery operation over a single day, offering victims services such as food, lodging, on-site medical services, counseling, therapy, and drug rehabilitation.
“Because of the hidden nature of human trafficking, it is extremely difficult to locate and reach out to victims,” said ASP Director Colonel Mike Hagar. “We have a moral obligation to extend services and support to those who have fallen victim to the manipulation, lies and violence of traffickers. The law enforcement community must work collectively to provide resources to this vulnerable population.”
The multidisciplinary operation consisted of law enforcement and victim service providers from around the state, working together to combat human trafficking, recover victims, and detain traffickers to make our communities safer. Before and during the operation, intelligence analysts and law enforcement officers identified local victims. Leading up to the operation, two children were removed from exploitative, vulnerable, and unstable situations. All minors were taken into protective custody.
The operation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of representatives from federal, state, local, and non-government organizations, including the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, Little Rock Police Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cabot Police Department, Benton Police Department, Harrison Police Department, Arkansas Fusion Center, along with victim advocates and medical personnel from the Regional Intervention of Sexual Exploitation “RISE,” The Genesis Project, Into the Light, ACASA, Saline County Safe Haven, Lonoke County Safe Haven, and the NWA Forensic Nurse Team.
During a similar Hot Springs operation in May, 25 adults were identified, and seven were contacted and offered services.