The Exploitation & Investigative Section is responsible for the investigation and enforcement of state and federal crimes involving the sexual exploitation of human beings; reduce the vulnerability of children to acts of sexual criminal activity and strengthen the capabilities of federal, state and local law enforcement through training programs and investigative assistance.
The objective of the section is to identify and rescue individuals who are being sexually exploited through prostitution as well as to identify and initiate investigations into those responsible for this exploitation.
A primary function of the unit is the identification and rescue of juvenile victims lured into the sex trade. Other functions include:
• Investigative prostitution-related offenses as they connect to organized crime.
• Identification and arrest of individuals involved in human trafficking for the
purpose of prostitution.
• Liaison with Robbery Homicide Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. State Department, and the Los Angeles
County District Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute cases of human
trafficking.
• Investigate and prosecute pimp organizations involved in domestic trafficking, with
a strong emphasis on individuals who traffic in minors.
• Conduct computer-based investigations to identify and apprehend suspects who
utilize the internet as a means of enticing and/or coercing young people into
prostitution.
• Assist Area vice units in conducting prostitution related investigations and/or
task force operations.
• Assist Area vice units in identifying and removing problem/nuisance locations.
References:
• Hate Crimes Resource Pamphlet
• Stop Hate and Respect Everyone (S.H.A.R.E)
• Crimenes de Odio – Folleto de Recursos
The Missing Persons Unit (MPU) investigates approximately 3,200 adult Missing Person (M/P) reports annually, or 250 to 300 reports per month. Contrary to public belief, federal law prohibits the observance of a waiting period before accepting a M/P report.
Approximately 70 percent of all reported missing persons are found or voluntarily return within 48 to 72 hours. Not all adult missing persons are the victims of kidnapping, murders, or some other criminal act.
There are a variety of reasons why a person voluntarily disappears including mental illness, depression, substance abuse, credit problems, abusive relationships, or marital discord. California law classifies M/P reports as “non-criminal”; however, they take investigative precedence over crimes involving property, thus establishing a “due diligence” responsibility on the part of the adult MPU.
Being a “voluntary” missing person is not a crime. Any adult person can simply walk away, and choose to ignore family, friends, associates and employers. Since this type of behavior is not “criminal,” law enforcement is limited on how they conduct these types of investigations. When facts and circumstances indicate a strong possibility of “foul-play,” or the disappearance is the result of a criminal act, the investigation will continue along such a course.