Vice & High risk victims unit
GENERAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT
This unit investigates all cases involving a prostitute or a pimp, with the focus on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (also known as the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children). They also investigate any reports of sexual assaults, robberies and thefts involving prostitutes. This squad is also responsible for investigating complaints of illegal gambling, liquor offenses, tobacco offenses and offenses relating to the City’s Adult Entertainment Ordinance. Proactive cases involve escort services that operate as a front for prostitution. This type of case mainly targets the customers of the prostitutes, the johns. The detectives in this squad are cross-deputized with the FBI’s Innocence Lost Task Force.
STREET VICE
The primary emphasis of this squad is responding to and investigating complaints of prostitution occurring on the streets or in businesses in the City of Seattle. These include O & A (offer and agree to an act of prostitution), prostitution loitering, SOAP violations (Stay Out of Area of Prostitution - probation requirement), patronizing a prostitute, adult entertainment, and escort services and promoting prostitution. Additionally, the Street Vice Squad assists the Human Trafficking Detective with foreign sex trafficking cases involving brothels or organized criminal enterprises.
High risk Victims/yOUTH sex Trafficking
The primary emphasis of this squad is responding to and investigating all complaints of human trafficking, whether sex trafficking or forced labor. Cases are received through the National Human Trafficking Hotline or through complaints from various immigrant service organizations. This squad works closely with the Office of the U.S. Attorney Western District of Washington and the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations Unit.
