Excerpt from DC Journal, published April 15, 2025
by Stephanie Caroline Minto, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office
Human trafficking is one of the most pervasive and devastating crimes of our time, exploiting some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. As a law enforcement officer in New Orleans, a major port city, I have seen firsthand how traffickers take advantage of large transportation hubs to operate in the shadows. It is a crisis that cannot be fought alone. If we are serious about stopping human trafficking, public-private partnerships must be a core part of our strategy.
At the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, I oversee the Crime Victims Reparations Unit, where we work daily to protect and support those who have suffered from violent crimes, including trafficking. While law enforcement agencies are on the front lines of this battle, we cannot win it without the support of private-sector partners who provide critical resources, technology and intelligence.