Tool 5.1 Overview of challenges in investigating human trafficking
Tool 5.2 Snapshot of investigative methodologies
Tool 5.3 Reactive investigation
Tool 5.4 Proactive investigation
Tool 5.5 Disruptive investigation
Tool 5.6 Parallel financial investigation
Tool 5.7 Seizure of assets and confiscation of proceeds of crime
Tool 5.8 Special investigative techniques
Tool 5.9 Crime scene investigations
Tool 5.10 Joint investigation teams
Tool 5.11 Border control measures
Tool 5.12 Intelligence gathering and exchange
Tool 5.13 Prosecution of traffickers
Tool 5.14 Seeking the collaboration of offenders
Tool 5.15 Guidelines on human rights and human trafficking in the context of law enforcement
Tool 5.16 Protecting victims during investigations
Tool 5.17 Witness protection
Tool 5.18 Witness protection during and after the prosecution and trial
Tool 5.19 Special considerations relating to the protection of child witnesses
Tool 5.20 Training tools for law enforcement offices and the judiciary
In order for law enforcement responses to be effective, they must be holistic, taking into consideration a range of issues, from the rescue of victims and the protection of witnesses to prosecution of traffickers. The challenges involved must be understood before they can be effectively responded to (see Tool 5.1).
In effect, there are three major investigative approaches, which are not mutually exclusive (see Tool 5.2):
Parallel financial investigations (see Tool 5.6), the seizure of assets and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime (see Tool 5.7), special investigative techniques (see Tool 5.8) and the investigation of crime scenes (see Tool 5.9) can also produce appreciable results, in particular when these methods are applied systematically by joint investigation teams (see Tool 5.10). Given that trafficking in persons often takes place across borders, law enforcement measures must also be cross-border (see Tool 5.11).
Efficient law enforcement and prosecution strategies are based on solid intelligence and on effective exchange of intelligence between agencies and between jurisdictions, requiring different types of intelligence to be gathered (see Tool 5.12). The role played by prosecutors during the process of bringing traffickers to justice must be guided by high standards of conduct and active participation (see Tool 5.13). There are many issues involved in dealing with trafficked victims, witnesses of trafficking and traffickers themselves. Often it becomes necessary to obtain the collaboration of offenders in order to secure an advantage (see Tool 5.14). Investigators and prosecutors have a duty to respect and protect the rights of victims of trafficking. Tool 5.15 and Tool 5.16 describe this duty and address the need to ensure the safety of victims during an investigation.
Direct witnesses of a crime are always a crucial element of a successful prosecution and offering them effective protection is an essential condition for effective intervention. The protection of witnesses is addressed in Tool 5.17 and Tool 5.18. The special considerations which apply to the protection of child witnesses are discussed in Tool 5.19.
Lastly, training resources for building law enforcement capacity against trafficking in persons are recommended in Tool 5.20.
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