Human Trafficking Awareness & Reporting

Miami Beach Police Department

"Human Life Is Not for Sale"

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery and a serious violation of human rights. It involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for forced labor, domestic servitude, or commercial sex.

Victims are often controlled and manipulated through threats, violence, lies, or debt bondage, making it difficult for them to seek help or escape. Human trafficking can happen everywhere. Anyone can be a victim, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or socioeconomic background.

The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) has a dedicated Human Trafficking Unit that works to identify victims, investigate cases, and bring traffickers to justice. If you suspect human trafficking, reporting it directly to MBPD ensures the fastest response and the best chance of assisting victims.

By staying informed, recognizing the warning signs, and reporting suspicious activity, you can help save lives and bring traffickers to justice.

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is a form of exploitation where traffickers use various methods to coerce, deceive, or force individuals into situations where they are exploited for labor or sex. There are two primary forms:

Sex Trafficking
When an individual is coerced, forced, or deceived into engaging in commercial sex acts, or if the individual is under 18 years old and performing commercial sex acts regardless of coercion, force and fraud.

Labor Trafficking
When individuals are forced to work against their will through threats, debt bondage, deception, or violence. Victims can be found in industries such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, and domestic work.

Recognizing the Signs of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking victims often live in fear and may not self-identify as victims. Recognizing the warning signs is key to helping someone escape exploitation.

• Signs of abuse: Bruises, cuts, burns, scars, or untreated injuries
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Poor hygiene or living in substandard conditions
• Branding tattoos or marks (often used by traffickers to "claim" victims)

Behavioral Indicators

• Fearful, anxious, or submissive behavior
• Avoids eye contact and social interaction
• Not allowed to speak for themselves or always under the watchful eye of someone else
• Displays distrust of law enforcement or authority figures
• Appears confused or unable to recall basic information about their location

Mental & Emotional Indicators

• Low self-esteem, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• Fearful when discussing their personal situation
• Signs of trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, or extreme distress
• Expresses a sense of hopelessness or being "trapped"
• Does not self-identify as a victim

Social & Interpersonal Indicators

• Accompanied by a controlling person
• Isolated from friends, family, or the community
• No access to personal identification documents, ID, or money
• Works long hours for little or no pay
• Lives at their workplace or in poor, overcrowded conditions