PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Several local law enforcement agencies say recent sweeps along 27th Avenue north of Indian School Road were aimed at combating human trafficking, but advocates argue the arrests target victims of these crimes rather than suspects.
The stretch of 27th Avenue between Indian School and Bethany Home roads is known as the ”Blade,” and concerns from neighbors prompted what Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell calls “Operation New Beginnings.”
“It’s not just the human trafficking that’s occurring. It’s what goes with the human trafficking, so with that comes drugs, with that comes violence,” Mitchell said.
Recent arrest operations
Mitchell’s office partnered with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Phoenix Police, Grand Canyon University Police and other agencies on the sweeps. During three days in August, they arrested 47 people, charging them with misdemeanor prostitution. Officials said among those arrested was a victim of child sex trafficking.
Last week, another two-day sweep resulted in 22 arrests, with those arrested again charged with misdemeanor prostitution.
Lauren Hersh, a former prosecutor and national director for World Without Exploitation, the largest anti-trafficking coalition in the country, criticized the approach.
“It’s really sad and disappointing,” Hersh said. “The vast majority of people sold in the sex trade are just that, they’re not there by choice. They’re there because of force, because of coercion or because of lack of other options.”
Different approaches to similar cases
When asked how advocates’ concerns that those arrested are trafficking victims rather than criminals are justified, Mitchell said her office reviews every case.
“We’re going to review every case submitted to us, whether it targets individuals such as these or whether we’re going to be looking at the traffickers themselves,” Mitchell said.
The Glendale Police Department handles similar cases differently. Their vice unit has transitioned to focus on human trafficking.
“Sometimes an arrest is not the solution,” said Officer Moroni Mendez, Glendale Police public information officer. “We have to look at the totality of the circumstances and deem what’s better for the victim or the suspect.”
Court outcomes
The city of Phoenix confirmed 437 prostitution cases were filed last year, including people working in prostitution and buyers. Of those cases, 114 were dismissed.
When asked about concerns from a former prosecutor regarding releasing mugshots and putting misdemeanors on individuals’ records, Mitchell said agencies handle mugshot releases.
“Obviously, we would love to work with these individuals and give them the chance to turn their lives around,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said the operation is just the beginning, with the goal of arresting traffickers and making the area safer. Advocates say if law enforcement doesn’t target buyers, the activity will continue in other neighborhoods.
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