Redwood City – Supervisors Jackie Speier and Ray Mueller will provide $160,000 in Measure K funds to re-establish a human trafficking cybercrimes pilot program in the District Attorney’s office. The resolution was passed 4-0 during the Board of Supervisors meeting on June 10 (Supervisor Corzo was absent). The county had a human trafficking unit housed in the sheriff’s office until 2022.
Human trafficking for sex and labor are among the world’s fastest growing criminal enterprises. With the Superbowl and World Cup happening in the Bay Area next year, law enforcement is expecting an increase in trafficking activities.
“We need to be prepared to combat modern-day slavery, not just for major sporting events, but for the trafficking that takes place in our county behind closed doors every day,” Supervisor Speier said. “I initiated a zero-tolerance policy in the county in 2012 and I am committed to re-establishing it. We have the tools to address this crime, let’s use them.”
“The fight against human trafficking must evolve with the way these crimes are committed—online and in the shadows,” said Supervisor Ray Mueller. “This program is an investment in technology and expertise to identify traffickers and protect victims in our community. With major global events headed to our region, we must act with urgency and purpose to prevent exploitation and bring perpetrators to justice.”
Speier and Mueller’s request for $160,000 in Measure K district-discretionary funds will allow for the District Attorney’s Office to establish and fund staffing to execute a Human Trafficking Cybercrimes Unit dedicated exclusively to the identification of human trafficking activities taking place online that can then be brought to full prosecution in San Mateo County. The services funded will be implemented through December 31, 2026.
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