U.S. Department
of Justice
Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking Task Force
The Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force of the Middle District of Florida is a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together with organizations to detect, investigate, and prosecute all forms of human trafficking, both foreign and domestic, in the Tampa Bay area. Through this multi-agency partnership, members of the task force work together to identify victims, investigate and prosecute these crimes, and support survivors by directing them to victim-centered, trauma-informed services. In 2019, the Department of Justice awarded the St. Petersburg Police Department a $741,556 grant to create the regional human trafficking task force.
- Education: providing education and training to law enforcement and the public to build awareness.
- Rescue: coordinating with support programs and resources to help victims.
- Enforcement: implementing technology that makes it easier to collect and share data across jurisdictions. Provide law enforcement support and assist with investigation and prosecution.
The Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force has launched a mobile application through tip411 that allows the public to help fight human trafficking. The free app allows the public to send anonymous tips to law enforcement and communicate in real-time with task force investigators, and is available through both Apple and Google Play app stores. If you believe you have information about a potential trafficking situation in the Tampa Bay area, please send an anonymous tip through the app or text “HTTF” to 847411 along with the information.
For more information about the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force, please contact the U.S. Attorney's Office at 813-274-6000.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological. Exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion was used.
If you believe you have information about a potential trafficking situation call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/. In the Tampa Bay area you can also text “HTTF” to 847411 to send an anonymous tip.
Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking. All reports are confidential and you may remain anonymous. Interpreters are available. The information you provide will be reviewed by the National Hotline and forwarded to specialized law enforcement and/or service providers where appropriate.
