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West Covina marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month; police outline ICAC work
Summary
City leaders on Jan. 7 recognized National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. West Covina Police described local investigations and the department’s assignment to the Internet Crimes Against Children task force.
The West Covina City Council recognized January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month during its Jan. 7 meeting, and a police lieutenant briefed the council and public on local work to prevent trafficking and exploitative crimes.
Lieutenant Kaufman of the West Covina Police Department told the council the department assigns a detective to the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC) and that ICAC focuses on preventing crime, protecting victims and prosecuting traffickers. “In 2024, our assigned ICAC detective participated in community conversations with parent teacher associations, schools and community members” and took part in investigations that “resulted in the rescue of children who were being trafficked,” Kaufman said.
Kaufman said victims receive assistance through the department’s crime victim advocate and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and that traffickers are prosecuted by the appropriate district attorney. The lieutenant also described outreach to parents and schools on internet safety and tips for guardians to help children avoid risky online encounters.
Mayor Tony Wu read and presented a proclamation recognizing National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Council members asked about reporting and resources for undocumented residents; Kaufman said tips can be submitted anonymously and that the department coordinates with county and federal partners, including the FBI, as cases require.
No formal council vote on the proclamation was recorded in the transcript; the item was presented as a proclamation and informational briefing. Councilmembers expressed support for continued outreach to schools and neighborhood-watch groups and thanked officers for their work.
