Launch of LAPD Operations-Valley Bureau (OVB) Human Trafficking Task Force NA15218jk

What: News Conference and Community Meeting

When: Thursday, November 19, 2015 6:00 p.m.

Where: Van Nuys City Hall (2nd floor) 14410 Sylvan Street Van Nuys, CA 91401

Who: Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nury Martinez LAPD Deputy Chief Bob Green, Commanding Officer, OVB LAPD Commander Kris Pitcher, Assistant Commanding Officer, OVB LAPD Captain Ernest Eskridge, Commanding Officer, Foothill Area LAPD Captain Andrew Neiman, Van Nuys Area LAPD Lieutenant Marc Evans, Vice Coordinator, OVB CSUN Dr. Henrik Minassians, Associate Professor of Urban Development Dr. Stephany Powell, Executive Director of Journey Out

Why: Prostitution activity has plagued the Sepulveda Boulevard corridor for decades. The OVB Human Trafficking Task Force was created in response to public feedback and concerns. This newly formed task force focuses on prostitution related crimes, arresting pimps, “Johns,” traffickers and other vice and gang crimes associated with human trafficking.

The task force will work with personnel from various entities throughout the City of Los Angeles including: victim services, environmental improvements, and court mandated diversion programs in order to build meaningful relationships with the community.

The task force created a new email to improve communications with the community and provide the opportunity to report crimes related to prostitution and human trafficking. The email is 647TIPS@LAPD.LACITY.ORG

Contact: For further information, please contact Lieutenant Marc Evans at (818) 644-8105.