Stop Child Trafficking Now

FAQs

FAQs: Special Investigative Teams

Who are the Special Investigative Teams?
The Special Investigative Teams are teams comprised of former special operations personnel and/or former experienced law enforcement agents and intelligence professionals. These teams combine their years of experience to identify and investigate the individuals at the root of the child sex trafficking scourge- the buyers creating the demand.

What type of training do they receive?
The Special Investigative Teams apply the skills and training that they have received over the course of many years of practical experience in their respective fields of law enforcement and military operations.

Is it possible for a team to be focused on a particular state or region?
Absolutely. The focus is to look at the crime of child trafficking across the board from local, state and federal capability by building relationships with officials in specific cities. The goal is that Teams are flexible enough to focus on local and state level work but can work internationally as well. The ability of the Special Investigative Teams to conduct investigations in specific regions is affected primarily by funding.

If teams are acting on information that involves criminal activity, what role does law enforcement play in their investigations?
Any criminal activity that is identified is immediately reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency so that they can determine how best to handle the information.

Why are the Special Investigative Teams a for-profit, private organization?
SCTNow funds a private organization of Special Investigative Teams. The for-profit status protects the sensitive and confidential nature of the Special Investigative Teams’ work.

SCTNow provides a contractual grant to Special Investigative Teams and receives regular reporting on the organizations financial integrity, outcomes and goals. An independent auditor audits these private organizations, as well as SCTNow, annually. All funds given to the Special Investigative Teams are used for the sole purpose of combating slavery.

Do the Special Investigative Teams work only in the United States?
Though the majority of investigations are conducted in the United States, SCTNow is beginning to expand its reach abroad.

Do the Special Investigative Teams rescue victims?
Gathering information on buyers/predators is the Special Investigative Teams's focus. However, it is the protocol of the organization to aide or assist a victim when encountered. SCTNow can provide short-term assistance for the care of individual victims including: food, clothing, medical attention, temporary shelter, as well as connect them to partner organizations that can assist them long-term.

Why is the work of the Special Investigative Teams so important?
Special Investigative Teams serve as a desperately needed force multiplier to provide relevant, accurate, and actionable information that can be investigated by law enforcement. Historically, child trafficking initiatives have been under-funded and police personnel spread thin. The work of the Special Investigative Teams is an effective way to help fill the gap in law enforcement budgets and address the growing number of child predators victimizing our children.