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Orange County Board highlights human‑trafficking prevention, DA urges more resources
Summary
The Board of Supervisors recognized January as National Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Prevention Month, heard the District Attorney describe prosecution challenges and conviction rates, and learned about county prevention and school programs from the Social Services Agency and local nonprofits.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28 formally recognized National Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Prevention Month, as county officials outlined victim‑support efforts and urged residents to report suspected trafficking.
Chair Doug Chaffee opened the presentation noting the scope of the crime and the county’s Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes local police departments, the district attorney’s office and nonprofit partners. "If you've identified someone still in the trafficking situation, alert law enforcement; do not attempt to rescue a victim," Chaffee said, urging public caution and reporting.
Vice Chair Katrina Foley described coordinated county work with UC Irvine and other partners to integrate court, social‑service and law‑enforcement data to identify victims earlier. Foley said the county victim advocacy program provides services to "more than 1,490 victims" and that "40 percent of all trafficking victims were minors," urging school‑based prevention and parental vigilance about online grooming.
District Attorney Todd Spitzer introduced the county HEAT (Human Exploitation and Trafficking) unit staff and described prosecution difficulties, including victims who are psychologically manipulated and reluctant to testify. Spitzer said his office has filed "over 400 criminal cases" since he became DA and that the office has "nearly a 90 percent conviction rate," arguing for continued resources for investigation and prosecution.
Josie Alturi, division director of Children and Family Services, said Social Services investigated 135 allegations of child exploitation last year (up from 87 the prior year) and described upcoming prevention events for students and parents. Nonprofit Global Hope 365 described school‑based prevention, hospital training and youth ambassador programs aimed at early identification and survivor support.
The board did not take formal policy action on the presentation. Officials encouraged the public to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline and to use county resources and partner organizations for reporting and victim support.
What’s next: County staff and partners plan prevention events for students and caregivers, and supervisors said they will continue coordinating funding and data‑sharing efforts.
Direct quotes in this report are taken from board remarks and presentations made at the Jan. 28 Board of Supervisors meeting.
