Legislators press for housing, case managers and training after trafficking briefing

During the joint committee meeting Lieutenant Mike Student and lawmakers focused on resource shortfalls and legislative options to improve investigations and victim care.

Student said the state once funded two human-trafficking case managers (north and south) but currently has one appointed statewide and that filling or restoring those positions would aid victim engagement and prosecutions. He recommended housing placements — including out-of-state options for victims in large trafficking networks — and more drug treatment slots to reduce the leverage traffickers hold over people with addiction.

Committee members asked whether legislative changes beyond funding would help. Student said Vermont statutes already provide significant penalties but that enforcement hinges on evidence and victim cooperation; he suggested a coordinating body that could require reporting and participation from service providers to close data gaps and better target resources.

Members also discussed investigative tools, including narrow uses of facial recognition for victim identification online and MOUs with hotels and taxi services to reduce victim dependence on traffickers. Student described ongoing multidisciplinary training for detectives, corrections and DCF, and noted the need for specialized training for prosecutors and judges. He cautioned that resources — housing, case management and treatment capacity — are critical to offer victims an alternative to returning to trafficking.

The hearing ended with an invitation for further briefings as the committees consider budget and policy options.